By Nwamkpa Modestus Chinedum (KSM)If there is one thing outside road infrastructure that Governor Hope Uzodimma deserves to be carried shoulder high and run round the state is his approach to security issues in the state. The manner he confronted the hydra headed security upheaval that bedeviled the state in 2021, 2022, 2023 and till date deserves a huge commendation. The level of support the Governor has given to security agencies financially and logistically has never been equalled in this state.
I recall that at the heat of insecurity tension in the state in 2021, 2022, and partly 2023, there were suggestions by different persons that the Governor should just carve-in, arrange for a meeting, negotiate with and embrace the unknown Gun men as they were known then but the Governor stood his ground and said he could not afford to enter into any form of unholy romance with non-state actors. He rather chose the path of honor and rule of law by doing everything possible to support and encourage the security operatives to be up and doing. The resultant effect of all that efforts of the Governor is the relative peace we all enjoy today in Imo state.
However, though the security situation in Imo state is currently relaxed and somewhat peaceful as at today yet the Governor has sustained that tempo of consistently encouraging and supporting security agents with the same logistic and financial support. There are only few leaders that can face what Governor Uzodimma faced upon assumption of office insecurity wise and still stand strong and achieve what he has achieved in the state. It is on that score that I strongly believe that he truly deserves a pat in his back.
Again, just yesterday, the Governor, in a manner reminiscence of a proactive leader, procured and donated over 32 vehicles of different ranges like Armoured Personnel Carriers and other utility vehicles in addition to other sophisticated security gadgets to aid the security operatives in their work. It must be noted however that the real essence of all these huge support to the security agents in the state is nothing but to protect you and I and everybody in the state.
It is therefore on the backdrop of this fact that the Governor should be commended. I know there are persons who will argue that it is the primary duty of the Governor to protect lives and property of the citizenry as Governor. Yes, it is true but again, the approach and huge sacrifice are what distinguishes him from others. Remember, that security mutates.
Sadly, some people are only quick to condemn, criticize and attack the personality of the Governor anytime there is any breach in security or anytime criminals strike but the same people always develop cold feet to commend the Governor in a time of relative peace in the state. The seem to feign ignorance or pretend not to see the huge efforts of the leader of the state. The Governor is not a member of security agents nor is he a trained security official. His duty as a leader is to support those trained in security to carry out their duties and that is why he has sunk huge sums of money in assisting the security agents .
Today, because of the Governor’s determination to ensure that the security agencies are not lacking in their required tools to work, over 40% or more of the state resources are being expended on security alone just to ensure there is no leakage in protecting lives and property in the state. Overall, the Governor has done well as long as security support is concerned.
