The Imo state government has apologized to the Anglican Church and it’s worshipers over the invasion of the St.Peter Anglican Church Eziama Obiare in Nkwerre Local Government area of Imo State.
The Government in a manner likened to have made a volte- face, through it’s commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Declan Emelumba expressed concern over the Gestapo style with which security operatives invaded the Church and arrested Uche Nwosu.
The release dated December 27,2021 came barely less than 24 hours after Emelumba in defending police action in interview said that the security operatives have right to arrest Uche Nwosu from any where, adding that there was insinuation that he could disappear from his Village to Abuja if not arrested from Church.
Emelumba’s release reads in part,”t,he Imo State Government is aware of the futile efforts by some people to whip up public sentiments against it over the arrest in an Anglican Church of Mr Uche Nwosu.
The plan is to de-emphasise the possible criminality behind his arrest by playing up the desecration of a church.
“For the avoidance of doubt, while the government believes that no stone should be spared in the effort to rid the State of criminality and banditry, it will not support any form of disrespect for a place of worship by security agencies
“In this regard the arrest of Mr Nwosu within the church premises could have been avoided and therefore stands condemned.
“While government regrets the manner the arrest was made we wish to emphasize that since it was purely a security matter, the full reason why such an action was taken will eventually unfold and perhaps guide the public better.
“Government therefore wishes to appeal to those negatively affected by the action to bear with the security agencies.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma holds the Anglican Communion in very high esteem and will never support any act that will disrespect her reverential status as a place of Divine worship.
“Government will continue to protect the interest of citizens of the state while not impeding the work of security agencies”.
