· Advises them to preach unity, security of zone
· Distances self from publication
“In line with the constitution of Orluzurumee Youth Assembly, (OYA) the Incorporated Board of Trustees is saddled with the responsibility of addressing political issues that involve other zones with a view to ensuring unity and mutual co-existence. Hence, we can’t keep quiet and watch few individuals rubbish the image or mortgage the collective interest of our people for personal benefits”.
Orluzurumee Youth Assembly, the apex umbrella body of youths in the 12 local government areas of Orlu zone stated this in a release signed by the group’s spokesperson, Engr Kyrian Echerebo while reacting to a statement credited to Orlu Political Action Committee OPOCA.
OYA, in the release dated November 19, 2021, dissociated and distanced itself from the report credited to OPOCA, pointing out that, “at a time like this when Orlu zone is plagued and ravaged by frightening insecurity, it is the height of insensitivity for any individual or group to start playing to the gallery in the name of politics instead of thinking extensively and proffering solution to issues that have wrecked havoc on the psyche and socio-economic wellbeing of the people.
“We had expected OPOCA to convene a meeting of stakeholders in Orlu zone to x-ray the issue of insecurity in the zone. The last time we heard of OPOCA was in 2019 when the group wanted to clandestinely take undue glory of the efforts of OYA to recall Rochas Okorocha from the Senate. The second time is now that they are playing politics and joining issues with other zones. OYA as a group outrightly dissociates and distances itself from the divisive statements, actions and conduct of OPOCA which we consider unnecessary.
“We therefore urge OPOCA to as a matter of urgency put its house in order. We also know that most of the members of OPOCA are either in government or are very close to those in the corridors of power.
“We therefore expect them to use their contacts to tackle security challenge with a view to restoring peace and normalcy which are cardinal ingredients for enhanced socio-economic growth and development. Anything short of this amounts to disservice and insensitivity to the plight of the people ”.
The group further posited that OPOCA’s silence in the face of heightening insecurity and attendant loss of lives and property in Orlu zone is not only suspicious but questionable. “Hence we advise that they concentrate on addressing the damaging infractions instead of playing to the gallery for cheap political points.”
“Besides, we don’t see why OPOCA should be kicking against a programme organized by Owerri people to articulate their thoughts on the way forward. We challenge them to organize a similar event in Orlu zone for the people to also brainstorm on the way forward.
We should take advantage of the fact that our brother is the governor to address the infrastructural decay, worsening insecurity and other negative vices.
“Having said that, we also wish to affirm that having considered the statement credited to OPOCA and the unwholesome controversy it has generated, the BOT of Orluzurumee Youth Assembly dissociates and distances self from entirely from it”.
The group also used the opportunity to express their heartfelt concern over the suffering of Orlu people occasioned by the worsening security challenges which have negatively affected the socio-economic lives and fortune of the people and called on the state government to as a matter of urgency put more effort towards bring the situation under control.
