By Adesina SoyooyeÂ
In his first official reaction to the torching of his country home, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State described those behind it as lilliputians.
Recall that the Governor’s country home in Omuma was, in a daring attack, inexplicably torched by hoodlums. During the attack, a security guard was killed, and a number of vehicles, torched. The Governor was away to Abuja on official duties, and came back to the State on Friday, April 30.
In a broadcast to the State and Workers to mark the 2021 Worker’s day, Uzodinma condemned the insecurity in the state. He blamed it on those he identified as disgruntled politicians, working hand in hand with militants and other criminal elements. He promised that they would be unmasked, and their days over in the State.
To Imo Workers he assured them that their welfare will always be their priority.
Following is a Press Release on the Governor’s broadcast, as put together by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku.
“The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has congratulated workers in Imo State in particular and workers in the country in general on the ocassion of this year’s Workers Day, assuring them that their welfare is always the priority of government.
“In a broadcast on Saturday to mark the 2021 Workers Day, Governor Uzodimma not only lauded the workers in Imo State for their patience, cooperation, patriotism and understanding in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic that threatened their welfare but assured them that he will not shirk his responsibility as their Governor.
“Governor Uzodimma commended the organized labour for standing firmly behind his government during the trying times of the automation process of the fiscal operations now almost completed, and assured that government was working day and night to ensure that no worker or pensioner has problem with their wages.
“The Governor recalled his administration’s achievements in the public service in the past one year in office to include cleaning the payroll system, tackling the issue of welfare of Imo workers, securing conducive working environment for workers, provision of official vehicles for Permanent Secretaries as well as provision of free buses for junior civil servants.
“Governor Uzodimma informed that his government had created a platform that would help make Imo youths employers of labour by training thousands of them and by so doing stopping them from roaming the streets aimlessly, noting that plans are afoot to empower them financially so that they can put to practice the skills they were recently trained on.
‘Through empowerment programme, the State has trained thirty thousand youths in different skills and will soon assist them to start-up their own businesses.’
“Governor Uzodimma assured the workers and the people of Imo State that he will continue to ensure that things get better for every Imolite, insisting that ‘the warefare of Imo Workers will always remain a priority.’
:Governor Uzodimma promised that whatever is necessary to make the organized labour more efficient and effective he will be committed to it, promising not to relent in ensuring that ‘Imo workers get the best available training and retraining opportunities and the best available working conditions.’
“On the issue of security, the Governor regretted that disgruntled politicians in concert with militants and other criminal elements have unleashed violence in our State traditionally known for its peace and hospitality.
:He described those behind the current spate of insecurity in Imo as enemies of the State who sre hell bent on distracting the smooth running of the State by instilling fear on the citizens.
“The Governor assured the good people of Imo State that ‘soon thorough investigation will unmask the sponsors of these security breaches and the long arm of the law will expose and prosecute them.’
“Governor Uzodimma described those who made attempt to burn down his country home as ‘lilliputians’ who merely saw it as a way of sending the message that Imo State is insecure.
“However, the Governor assured that ‘the government, in collaboration with the security agencies, is more than capable to protect the lives and property of all residents of the State.’
The Governor said: ‘’This group of fifth columnists has elected to disrupt the peace of the State, and their actions are quiet regrettable. ” Â
“However, he said it is his “duty as the Governor of the State to ask everyone to sheathe their sword and allow for development.’’
“Regardless, he warned that “the day of mindless criminality in the State are over” and assured all Imo people that he will leave no stone unturned to secure them.
“Be rest assured that my administration is willing, able and capable of protecting the lives and property of all Imo people and residents alike.
“He also declared that the recent security challenges in the State have been effectively contained and urged Imo people to go about their lawful businesses without any fear of harassment.
Governor Uzodimma added: “For us to see those better days we must refrain from acts that will impede developments and progress. We must resolve that this is the only State we have and we can call our own and we should not let any selfish political interest come between us and the State. Politics will come and go but Imo State will remain. Let us preserve and protect our commonwealth. Let us say no to banditry and anarchy. Both are ill-winds that blow no one any good.”
