Traditional Rulers And Religious leaders Sad over Growing insecurity by Clinton Kenechukwu
The popular proverb that he who lives in a glass house does not throw stones, was an advise by the Founder of the Movement for the Consolidation of Democracy, World Wide. (MOCODE) to the Governor Hope Uzodinma, the governor of Imo State, who in the first week , January 2022, declared former governor of Imo State , Senator Rochas Okorocha and his Son in-law, Uche Nwosu as sponsors of Kidnapping and banditry in Imo state drew the ire of the Founder of MOCODE, Charles Edet.
Briefing the press in Abuja, Edet said that the organization totally disagreed with the governor Uzodinma, that Rochas is behind insecurity in the state. He decried the extent of bitterness and unhealthy abuse between the governor, Rochas and their supporters which is escalating insecurity.
Speaking further, Charles urged to tow the path of peace to enable him deliver the dividends of democracy that is being yawned by the people of the state.
“ I urge the governor of imo state, Senator Hope Uzodinma to forge on with the democratic itinerary mantra of his government, rather than allowing himself to face distractions that always imminent in every democratic settings, because there are no perfect persons, no perfect leaders and no perfect society “ said Charles.
The democracy advocate , called on well meaning Senior citizens of imo state and the people to stand-up together in unison to end this ongoing siege on the sensibilities of the people, their right to peaceful governance, peaceful movement, peaceful interactions and go about their peaceful business in a democratic setting such as it should be in a democratic state that is an arm of a democratic nation. “
Charles, called on the governor of the state , to make peace with members of the opposition, considered to be a pain in his neck particularly with Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Mr Uche Nwosu for peace to reign in the state.
He stated further that Owelle Rochas Okorocha is a politician whose virtuous political weight in Nigeria cannot be reduced to a book shelve or would he succumb nor be undermined with intimidation and name calling.
“Senator Rochas Okorocha is not only a household name in Imo state but Nigeria ‘gburugburu’ ( as a whole), he is number one proactive former governor of Imo state , not sleeping politically like others, but has remained vocal within the committee of political who is who in Nigeria. “ He added that “Most importantly Senator Okorocha is not the devil as painted, but rightfully engaged in ensuring that his rights and privileges as former governor of the state are not eroded, as I can observe “ he averred.
Rochas can only become vituperative when pushed to the extreme wall as in the case of his Son-in-law being arrested and humiliated in the church at his mothers funeral. Having carved a political niche within the democratic arena of the nation, he deserved some modicum of respect by his state governor , Senator Hope Uzodinma.
I therefore call on the parties to accept the olive leave beige flown by the traditional leaders from the south east.
In another development, the traditional rulers and religious leaders in the South East expressed their sadness over insecurity in Imo State.
The monarchs and clerics made their frustration known in a statement jointly signed by the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, and Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Chibuzo Opoko.
The leaders frowned that Imo had become a war zone and those responsible for the worsening security situation in the South-East state.
They also condemned the recent invasion of a church in the state by some policemen to arrest a former governorship candidate in the state, Uche Nwosu.
They, therefore, urged all the political leaders and their followers to desist from all actions that will jeopardize peace and unity in the state
Insert is the full statement: “The state of affairs in Imo had led to the loss of many lives, property, toxic business environment and debilitating public culture and trust.
The dramatic and condemnable invasion of a place of worship by officers of the Nigeria Police Force on 26th December 2021 ostensibly to effect the arrest of a former governorship candidate in Imo State has brought to the public consciousness the long-running troubling state of affairs in the state, which has led to the loss of many lives, hundreds of millions of Naira of property, a deterioration of the environment for business and a debilitating poisoning of public culture and trust.
“Even as we write this statement, a report is breaking of an exchange of gunfire between unknown gunmen and law enforcement officers, which may have left several people dead.
“We, as the clergy, traditional rulers and elders of conscience of Alaigbo, under the auspices of the Joint Body of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops on Peace and Conflict Resolution are compelled to intervene.
First, we urge all the political leaders in contestations and their followers to cease and desist from all actions that’ll escalate or compound the situation on the ground in the state.
“Next, we ask for an examination of conscience of the actors in Imo State, FCT, Abuja, or elsewhere. We trust that the Igbo spirit, which guided our intervention in the run up to the recent Anambra State governorship election and resulted in peaceful and salutary outcomes, will lead the key antagonists in Imo State politics to collaborate with us to help reconstruct the social order in Imo to greater civility.”