Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state has vowed never to negotiate with criminals, assuring that his administration would use all within its powers to identify and flush out criminals in Imo.
Addressing the congregation at the end of the Church Service at Government House Chapel Owerri on Sunday, the Governor disclosed that security agencies have identified those behind the recent disturbances in Imo State.
Uzodimma vowed: “I will never and not going to negotiate with criminals,” warning anyone involved in any form of criminality aimed at bringing down Imo State by any means to have a rethink or such persons will have themselves to blame.
“Those out to bring the state down must be prepared to be brought down as well,” he said.
The Governor thanked Imo residents for their understanding and resilience throughout the period of security breaches and skirmishes.
He reiterated: “The mayhem in Imo State was carried out by hoodlums, bandits and a small percentage of IPOB members and aggrieved politicians who decided to sponsor violence to derail the Government of the day.”
He promised the government will always use her powers in line with the oath it swore to protect the people and their property, emphasising that no individual, group or criminals will be stronger than the government.
Uzodimma enjoined Imo residents to be calm “because God is with us and that is why the criminals and bandits failed in their nefarious activities.”
The Governor also warned political appointees to be careful with what they say or post on the social media, insisting one may be interacting with criminals and bandits “knowingly or unknowingly”.
He enjoined Imolites to repent and avoid being entangled with criminals as such involvement will be dangerous.
In his homily, the Chaplain Government House Chapel, Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Gilbert Alaribe, enjoined Christians to be bold in their dealings just like Paul and Barnabas in the scriptures.