From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Following last Friday’s attack on the convoy that earlier dropped him at Amauru community in Okigwe LGA, Imo State that left one of his police escorts dead, others injured and vehicles shattered with bullets, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has stayed that insecurity in the State is under reported.
He also called on the Federal Government to step in immediately to rescue the ugly situation.
Sen. Okorocha, a former Governor of the State disclosed this while briefing Journalists in his residence in Owerri on Tuesday.
He expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased gallant officer whom he said is newly promoted and from Osun State, married with 4 children as well as the government of Enugu State and the Inspector General of Police for the lost of a patriot.
The former Governor also said he has advanced plans to visit the deceased family and see how he can assist them, described the incident as unfortunate and that it could be any body while canvassed the need for immediate stoppage of insecurities in Imo State and Nigeria at large.
According to him, “killings in Imo State are under reported. It’s really unfortunate we are not bringing the extent to the notice of the Federal Government. It’s only when a VIP (very important person) is involved that you got to hear it, whilst there is no day or week that passes without innocent people being killed or murdered.
” My concern now is to draw the attention of the insecurities happening in Imo State to the Federal Government. Nigerians and Federal Government may not know the extent of desertation of communities in Ohaji Egbema, Oru West, Oru East, Orsu, Orlu, Onuimo, Ideato North, Okigwe and some other local government areas of the state. This is not the essence of democracy and must be meticulously address.
” Am passionately appealing to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies to give Imo State priority attention in terms of restoration of peaceful environment and protection of the peoples life and properties, which are the fundamental essences of governance and democracy.
” What happened last Friday was an eye opener, it could happen to any other person or persons. Few months ago, it was former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, the truth is that innocent people are being killed and slaughtered every day without it being reported, it’s only news, when a big man is involved. Personally, am of the view that whatever steps that should be taking to address these insecurities must be taking immediately without too much rhetorics. This is not the time for blame game. It’s a time for towing the line of peace ” he insisted.
Okorocha recalled that during his era as the governor of the State that he was equally confronted with similar insecurities circumstances, that what he did was to involve all and sundry to be part and parcel of the government.
” Thus, am of the firm believe that the best form of government is that which allows people to govern themselves, sees themselves as leaders instead of people being led. There’s need to bring all hands on the deck to work for the overall benefits of the State.
” My heart bleeds, am worried, it gives me serious concerns how peace and order have eroded my dear state and this must stop, everybody must be involve. Something must be urgently done to restore peace, security of lives and properties, so that those who have abandoned the state especially the youths, will come back and contribute their maximum productive quotas”.
Okorocha insisted that, ” the daily killings must stop, Imo State is not known for murdering or killings. This is the best time for all political leaders in the state to come together, despite their differences and say enough is enough. There must be a realistic solution to this terrible situation. Let them look beyond politics and save the life of the people” he advised.
