Advertorial: Imo State Orientation Agency Warns Against Politicization Of Govt. Efforts To Resolve Security Challenges

PRESS RELEASE

The Imo State Orientation Agency has noticed the growing penchant of some individuals and groups in the state to deliberately mislead the people on the current security challenges, For example, the recent claim by the Imo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party on “the militarization of the state” is bare faced lies that are capable of causing social disharmony in the state.

Apart from the inappropriate use of the word, “militarization”, in the instant context and in its ordinary sense, the agency cautions against resorting to hyperboles apparently in a bid to score political points.

It is unfortunate that while these elements and groups take it upon themselves to make statements that are apparently aimed at pitching the people aqainst the government, they say nothing of the activities of hoodlums who have taken to violence against security operatives in the state. For example, while it is no longer a hidden fact that most of the disturbances at nights in Owerri and environs are caused by criminals in search of victims, some elements point accusing fingers at security agents on legitimate assignments to protect the people. The agency cautions against such a mix-up because it would make it difficult for the people to do a proper diagnosis of the problem.

While cases of overzealousness cannot be completely ruled out, the good people of Imo state are enjoined not to succumb to the blackmail that there is a deliberate plan to curtail their freedom or that they are specifically targeted at for submission. Rather, they should remain calm, law-abiding and not allow partisan and over ambitious activists to use them as tools in the quest for potential electoral profits and stardom.

The Imo State Orientation Agency wishes to remind the good people of Imo state that the rest of the world is watching to see if such a highly discerning and sophisticated collective, as they are reputed to be, would allow a few elements in their midst to cheapen the narrative to such a ridiculous level.

This is not the time to make frivolous claims. We have a situation where over 1,800 criminals were unleashed on the state following the attack on the Owerri Correctional Facility on April 5, 2021. It would be fool hardy for any individual or group to expect that the situation would remain the same as before, at least for some time. It is a drastic situation that requires hard and calculated measures; not feigned solidarity with the people over a non existing partisan affinity.

The agency appeals to the youths in particular to resist every attempt, whether deliberate or inadvertent, to lure them into behaviour that will make them vulnerable in the hands of criminals who are taking advantage of the current situation.

Today is the noise of battle but tomorrow shall be sound of victory. Imolites shall overcome.