The Imo State House of Assembly has adopted a Motion sponsored by the member, representing Owerri Municipal Council, Hon Clinton Amadi for security in primary and secondary schools in the state to be adequately enhanced to check the activities of hoodlums and other criminal elements who have turned the schools to centers of immorality and dangerous anti-social practices.
On this note, the House passed a resolution urging the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma to mandate the Commissioner for Education to liaise with relevant agencies to provide adequate security in primary and secondary schools in the state.
Moving the Motion, during plenary, Hon Amadi, decried the menace of criminal vandals and other deviants who often invade public primary and secondary schools in the state during and after school hours, thereby posing security threat to the pupils, students and their teachers.
Hon Amadi, who was visibly angry, condemned in very strong terms the lack of adequate security measures including the absence of security personnel in the schools despite reports of attack, pollution caused by uncontrolled defecation in the school premises, smoking and the consumption of illicit drugs including marijuana and other dangerous drugs, the conversion of classrooms, teachers and headmasters offices to brothels at nights and littering the environment with used condoms, remnants of Indian hemp, and tobacco.
“They also desecrate the school premises by pulling out and carting away shelves, drawers, furniture, gates, doors, windows and breaking students school chairs and tables”.
Hon Amadi, who is the Deputy Minority Leader and House Committee Chairman on Digital Economy and E-Government, further said, “the Imo State Government made efforts to provide adequate classrooms, teaching facilities and conducive environment for the students for effective teaching and learning in the State, but the absence of security personnel in the schools jeopardized the ambience the Government put in place, thereby creating the opportunity for criminal elements and vandals to exploit”.
The Motion which was seconded by Hon Sam Osuji, representing Isiala Mbano State constituency, was co-sponsored by Rt Hon Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, Hon Princewill Amuchie, Hon Bernard Ozoemelam, Hon Kingsley Ozurumba, Hon Sam Osuji, Hon Innocent Ikpamezie, Hon Kelechi Ofurum, Hon Johnleoba Iheoha, Hon Obinna Egu, Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi, Hon Chigozie Nwaneri, Hon Okechukwu Udeze.
Supporting the Motion, Hon Johnleoba Iheoha (Ikeduru), Hon Sam Osuji (Isiala Mbano), Hon James Uba Esile (Onuimo) made commendable contributions.
In their respective submissions, they described the ugly incidents perpetrated by criminal elements and vandals in schools as unfortunate. While describing primary and secondary schools as the foundation for the future generation, they advised that the schools should be fenced and security personnel provided, since it is the duty of the government to protect lives and properties. They also called on parents to look into the activities of their children and wards to ensure that they become worthy ambassadors of their families.
The Clerk was directed to communicate the Resolution of the House to His Excellency the Governor”.
