In response to the recent 24 hour curfew imposed on Imo State in the wake of the ongoing “EndSARS” protest alleged to have been hijacked by the opposition, as observed by the state Commissioner for Information, Hon. Declan Emelumba, the leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo has called on the Governor,Senator Hope Uzodinma, to concentrate on his primary duties and offer good governance to Imolites and not to use the opposition as an excuse.
In a release signed by the state Director General Imo APGA new media, Comrade Chilagorom Ifeanyi, the party stated that there is no noticeable opposition as the governor pointed out, but claimed it was his fellow APC leaders that were conveying hoodlums to attack protesters in other parts of the country.
The release reads in part,“..APGA calls on Uzodinma to stop lying to Imolites that he met empty treasury, queries what he has done so far with State And Local Government Allocations” the statement further stated according; “from the Press Release by Imo Government, one surely understands that the present government cannot stop to chase shadows instead of concentrating to deliver good governance to Imolites. We are not against the government for imposing 24 hours curfew in Imo State to help checkmate the hijacking of peaceful protest by the citizens, who have sincerely called for “EndSARS”, “EndPoliceBrutality” and “ReformNigeriaPolice”. But it is quite unfortunate how hired hoodlums round the country have hijacked the peaceful protest and continued to kill and attack harmless protesters; loot and destroy both private and government properties.
As a matter of fact, these are not the aims and objectives of the innocent and harmless “EndSARS” protesters. But unfortunately, some top government officials within the country have decided to use poor, hungry and illiterate youths against the wonderful “EndSARS” project. Does it mean the masses have no say in the country anymore? This is a total disgrace to Democracy!
On the side of dilapidated and deathtrap roads in Imo State, we sincerely know the present government inherited them all from past administrations. But it should not be excuse in any way. The essence of being in government is to deliver good leadership and do well to deliver dividends of democracy to the people which include, quality education; standard road constructions; standard healthcare; adequate security; youth/women empowerment and job creation; payment of workers and pensioners at the right time. These and many others, make life easy for the citizens and also show that the government really has the good interest of the masses at heart. Anything outside these, is all about incompetence, insensitivity and wickedness. Therefore, we continue to tag the present government, “bad” till Imolites start to have breath of fresh air and enjoy good road network with standard construction; standard healthcare and quality education; payment of Imo workers and pensioners as at when due; and provision of adequate security to protect the citizens.
They say he whose house is on fire, does not chase the rat. Therefore, we call upon the present Imo government to focus in (SIC) delivering good governance than giving unnecessary excuses and blame games on opposition on every issue. Any reasonable person who have (SIC) seen the goings-on in Nigeria at the moment, will surely understand that it is top government officials who hire these hoodlums to attack harmless and innocent protesters. We have the clear records of pictures, videos and eyewitness of incidents where top government officials used exotic SUVs to convey these hired illiterate (hoodlums) to and fro as they attacked and killed innocent protesters. And we ask: Who is fooling who? Why should Imo and Federal Government accuse opposition of hijacking the protest, while everyone, even International Communities have already seen and known the facts.
As law abiding citizens, we in “All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA” call upon Imolites to obey the curfew for the betterment of everyone and to avoid losing more lives and properties. The life of every Imolite is worth more than gold and silver. Though it is very unfortunate those in government do not really value the lives of the citizens. Therefore, we advise Imolites to stay safe in their various homes to avoid the wicked ones accomplishing their motives. We cannot continue to see our youths being killed on the streets like fowls. We cannot continue to see Imolites suffer due to bad roads, insecurity and poor infrastructure. Let the present Imo government start to act in construction of STANDARD road network and protect the citizens. Imolites have suffered enough!”
