From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
The General Officer Commanding, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Hassan Taiwo Dada, over the weekend, told Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that he hads been mandated by his superiors to end unknown gunmen and other forms of criminality in the region.
Gen Dada dropped the hint when he paid a visit to Gov. Uzodimma in company of his Army Commanders at the Government House, Owerri.
The GOC stated that the visit was to solicit the support of the government and the people to deliver on the mandate given to him.
Though he said he assumed office two weeks ago, the Army boss told the Governor that it had been the norm in the Military for officers posted to assignments to familiarise themselves with the people, hence the courtesy visit.
According to him, “the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, gave me a marching orders to end insecurity in the South-East and I hope to do just that.
“I am here therefore, to solicit the Governor’s support and everybody’s cooperation to improve security in Imo State and the South-East generally,” Dada said.
The GOC also explained that he was aware of the state of insecurity in the zone adding, “we will do all it takes to ensure that peace returns to the South-East.”
He used the opportunity to thank Governor Uzodimma for the support his government has been extending to the Military, and recalled the week-long Army Day Celebration which took place in Imo State last year.
In his remarks, Gov. Uzodimma welcomed the GOC and his entourage and reminded him that he has in his kitty a résumé that will help to stamp out the cankerworm of insecurity in the South-East.
He assured the GOC that Imo State redidents in particular, and South-East in general, will support his mission in the course of his assignment.
The Governor reminded the GOC of the cordial inter-security agencies relationship existing in the state, and urged him to ensure its sustainability in addressing the issues of criminality such as banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and other crimes.
Uzodimma further used the opportunity to remind the military high command of the negative impact of sit-at-home in the South-East, urging the Major-General and his his team to ensure that those instigating it are brought to justice.
The Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku; the Senator representing Okigwe zone, Sen. Patrick Ndubueze; four members of the House of Representatives: Hon. Miriam Onuoha, Hon. Canice Nwachukwu, Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu and Hon. Akarachi Amadi; former House of Representatives member, Hon. Jerry Alagbaso; the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu; the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie; Chairman of the Imo State Elders Council, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya; Commissioners, among other dignitaries, joined the governor to receive the GOC.
