We have identified those behind mayhem in Imo State — Uzodimma

Governor of Imo State, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma has disclosed that the Security Agencies have identified those behind the recent disturbances in Imo State and that in few days their names will be unveiled together with what they did so that they can face justice.

Addressing the congregation at the end of the Church Service held at Government House Chapel Owerri, on Sunday, the Governor assured that Government will use all within its powers to identify and flush out criminals in Imo State, promising that his Government cannot fold her arms and allow terror reign in Imo State.

Governor Uzodimma noted that he will “never and is not going to negotiate with criminals,” warning anyone involved in any form of criminality aimed at bringing down Imo State by any means to have a rethink or such persons will have themselves to blame.

He said those out to bring the state down must be prepared to be brought down as well.

Uzodimma thanked the people of Imo State for their understanding and resilience throughout the period of security breaches and skirmishes.

He reiterated that the mayhem in Imo State was carried out by hoodlums, bandits and a small percentage of IPOB members and aggrieved politicians who decided to sponsor violence to derail the Government of the day.

He promised that the Government will always use her powers in line with the oath it swore to protect the people and their property, emphasizing that no individual, group or criminals will be stronger than government.

The governor promised that “never again will criminality reign in Imo State”.

He enjoined Imo people to be calm “because God is with us and that is why the criminals and bandits failed in their nefarious activities.”

Uzodimma also warned the people of the state, especially political appointees, to be careful with what they say or post on the social media, insisting that one may be interacting with criminals and bandits “knowingly or unknowingly”.

He enjoined Imolites to repent and avoid being entangled with criminals as such involvement will be dangerous.

The governor equally challenged Imo people to always search their consciences, ask themselves some pertinent questions as to why they are not happy with themselves or with government.

He therefore enjoined all to be careful in everything they do in their daily activities, especially now that the country and the state are going through security challenges, saying that “to be fore warned is to be fore armed” and that “prevention is better than cure”.

He warned those acting as wolves in human clothes to change or they will definitely be identified and flushed out.

In the spirit of the first Sunday in May, the governor reassured Imo people of their security and enjoined them to go about their businesses without fear of molestation or harassment.

In his homily, the Chaplain, Government House Chapel, Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Gilbert Alaribe, enjoined Christians to be bold in their dealings just like Paul and Barnabas in the scripture.

He emphasised that the society needs people of boldness like Barnabas who stood firm at all times in trying moments.

Rev. Fr. Alaribe said that only God’s intervention in the period like we have now will solve the insecurity challenges faced by states and the country at large.

Present at the Church Service were the wife of the Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, Deputy Governor of Imo State,  Prof. Placid Njoku, Speaker Imo State House of Assembly,  Rt. Hon. Paul Emeziem, and other top government functionaries.