Governor Hope Uzodinma’s assurance that he will name individuals and groups behind banditry and other violent crimes in the state on January 3, 2021, has elicited mass jubilation as most Imolites believe the move will to a large extent nip the security challenges and attendant consequences ravaging the state in the bud.
Governor Uzodinma at a recent meeting in Owerri with the executives of All Progressive Congress as captured by Channels Television said, “All the people that were hired to kill our people, we have started picking all of them. As of now, we’ve picked 18 suspects. Some of them have confessed those who are paying them,” revealed the Imo governor.
“We have gotten the bank account from where they have been transferring money to them, and we have the evidence. When I will address Imo stakeholders on January 3, I will call their names one by one.”
It is on record that Imo and other states in the South East have for some time been the hot bed of incessant violent attacks, arson, abductions, extra-judicial killings and destruction of public facilities.
It would be recalled that in April the correctional Centre in Owerri, the Imo State Capital was attacked by unknown gunmen who set 1,844 inmates free.
Governor Uzodinma’s residence at Omuma in Oru East L.G.A was also attacked and razed down by unidentified gunmen.
The governor at that time blamed aggrieved politicians who he said are not pleasantly disposed to the monumental achievements he recorded within a short time in office.
The Governor assured that his administration will use all lawful means to rid the state of criminals and their accomplices.
However, our investigation reveals that a cross section of Imo people are taking the governor’s repeated assurance with a pinch of salt, pointing out that he may not have the courage to match his words with action based on his antecedents and track record.
A political pundit who commented on the development on condition of anonymity said, “Since the governor gave that assurance most people are excitedly waiting for Gov Uzodinma to do as promised, stressing that failure to do so for any reason will project the state as being insincere, uncaring and uncharitable.
Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, an unconfirmed source was quoted as saying that the governor may now announce the sponsors of bandits on Jenuary 4,instead Jenuary 3,2022.
