*Calls for withdrawal of military, police
Henry Emeana
Irked by the challenge of insecurity in the state, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), in Imo State has slammed the Hope Uzodinma’s-led Imo government on the handling of security and economic issues
The party also strongly condemned the ongoing carnage in Imo State by the military, DSS and the Police, demanding an end to the killings and destructions of lives and properties, unlawful arrest and detention of its citizens in the State.
The party advised that numerous Police officers and other security apparatuses deployed to the state be redeployed.
Chairman, Imo APGA, Hon John Iwuala, at a media briefing at its state Secretariat in Owerri, Saturday, advised the Imo State government to immediately withdraw the military from the streets and roads of Imo State, in order to restore peace and calmness for economic and social activities to flourish.
He accused the APC led federal and state governments of using the crises it creates to remain in power beyond 2023, with the purpose of subjugation and continued oppression and carnage.
Iwuala who advised Governor Hope Uzodimma to seek ideas from APGA to help government solve the crises debilitating the state, also advised government to engage youths meaningfully to mitigate youth restiveness.
He said “We appeal to, and call on Uzodimma to desist from militarization of the streets and roads of Imo State to avoid continued unnecessary harassment and killing of innocent citizens.
“We all know that Uzodimma has failed, but we shall not allow evil- minded people to burn down the state.
“We shall not force him to resign, he must continue and see what governance is, so that he will not have any reason to ask and disturb Imolites for votes in 2023.
“Uzodimma has run short of ideas to mitigate insecurity, economic scarcity and lack of social amenities including youth unemployment.
“With sincerity of purpose, Imo APGA, may offer to assist in advising and lending ideas to the APC led government of Imo State, having observed with dismay and utmost bewilderment that the party (APC) and its leaders have completely run out of ideas.
“Let the government set up a high powered Peace and Conflict Resolution committee to organize a stakeholders summit in the state across party levels.
“It must not be an APC affair to deliberate on peace and forwardness.
“The summit should include traditional rulers, village heads, community leaders, selected youth leaders and their heads from communities, leaders of various youth organizations, religious leaders from various churches, heads of all security apparatus in Imo.
“Police, Army, Civil Defense, DSS, Customs and even Road Safety Corps, stakeholders and leaders of all registered political parties.
Advising youths of Imo State to shun vice, electoral thuggery but embrace peace and hard work to make progress in life, Iwuala, called on those who perpetrate mayhem and crisis in Imo State to stop.
“It is so sad and very unfortunate that Imo State, which was known as the most peaceful state in the South East, has been sold to political buccaneers, political bandits and political lepers.
“As a matter of fact, the rate of insecurity in Imo at the moment, cannot be overemphasized.
“Imo now is a dreaded state to visit and a laughing stock to everyone”. Iwuala said.
