December 11, (THEWILL) – For some time now, the South-east region of the country has been grappling with insecurity occasioned by the activities of unknown gunmen targeting residents, security operatives and public infrastructures.
In view of the above, well-meaning Nigerians, have been urged to prevail upon President Muhammadu Buhari, to release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to give way for peace and tranquillity to reign in the zone.
Efforts made to interview some residents of Owerri, the Imo State capital, proved abortive, as they declined comments on issues relating to security over the forthcoming general election in the country.
However, an Owerri-based shoe cobbler, who pleaded anonymity, when interviewed, attributed the rising killings in Imo and other Southeast states to the refusal of President Buhari to release Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, the proscribed IPOB leader.
“Our own Governor, Distinguished Sen. Hope Uzodimma, who has stolen the heart of President Buhari, can single-handedly do this for the Igbos if he wants. Buhari listens to him. The President takes Uzodimma’s advice”, he said.
Iruka Nwosu, a community leader, lamented the attitude of the Southeast Governors. He said “One had thought that the growing problem of insecurity in the zone would spur the Governors to fight it together. For instance, if the Governors of Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Abia are cooperating, the frequent security challenges will not be happening.”
He regretted that there was hardly a period when the Governors attended a meeting together to make decisions concerning the zone, unlike their counterparts in other regions.
Recall that there had been a series of destruction of lives and property in Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Imo, by unknown gunmen and these have caused setbacks in the economy of the affected states.
Even as the general election is fast approaching, the possibility of the exercise not taking place in the South-east can be said to be dicey due to the feelings of apprehension that there could be crisis during the polls, which would start on February 25, 2023.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies in the country, have promised to ensure a crisis-free election is conducted.
In lieu of the above, Imo state Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, since the inception of his administration, has done well towards the protection of lives and properties in the state.
The donation of armoured personnel carriers and other vehicles to the Imo Police Command, including other assistance he had rendered to the security agencies in Imo, to ensure criminal activities are surmounted.
