Life Returns To Imo!
NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA & GEORGE ONYEJIUWA
In the last two months, life and businesses were almost kept a standstill in Imo State occasioned by unexpected security challenge through the alleged sponsorship of enemies of the state and opposition elements, as their hate speech, actions and inactions brought about the emergence of the unknown gunmen and hoodlums, whose mindless, vicious and nefarious activities brought a reign of terror into the state and unrelenting series of attacks on government facilities and security agents, causing unnecessary tension and untold hardship.
The situation was so scary that most prominent citizens of the state fled to either Abuja or Lagos state for their personal safety. Even top Government functionaries were not left out, as they also went underground following an attack on one of the Commissioners in the state.
This ugly trend disrupted the once booming economic activities in the state even as citizens had to consciously observe a self -imposed curfew, and as a result, people were seen rushing back to their various homes earlier than expected to avoid being caught in the ravaging battle between the unknown gunmen and the combined team of security operatives; either on reprisal or offensive mission.
During this testy and trying period, fun seekers stayed away from all the fun spots dotted across the nooks and crannies of Owerri, the Imo State capital.
However, to quell the ugly situation that has become a big threat to the economy of a viable Imo known for her signature status of being peaceful with a flourishing hospitality and tourism sector, as the state economy was almost shutdown, a rather dogged, proactive and responsive Governor, Hope Uzodimma, energized the security agencies in the state with the needed weaponry to tackle head-on the recalcitrant unknown gunmen and hoodlums whose only agenda was to bring the state and her citizens to their knees while scaring away prospective investors.
Today, the above narrative, to the glory of God, has completely changed as peace and tranquility has returned back to the state, especially, the capital metropolis of Owerri and to the urban centres across the state, as security agencies have succeeded in chasing out of the state hoodlums and remnants of the unknown gunmen, who were hell-bent on destroying the common wealth of Imo and her people.
The good news remains that, life has returned to Imo as her citizens as well as their visitors can go about their businesses without any fear of molestation; and can even go to sleep with their two eyes closed.
This heart warming news and welcome development of a now peaceful and lively Imo, is the driving force behind a one -week security surveillance and documentary by the Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Public Safety, Rt. Hon. Prince Ugochukwu Nzekwe, as select independent media practitioners joined him in the tour for on -the- spot assessment and opinion samplings at the various locations visited across the state.
Ndi Imo, life has again returned back to the state as majority of the popular fun-spots; exotic bars, A -list hotels and night clubs are in full swing with fast growing patronage.
The 4th Estate Reporters media crew visited Old English Bar & Grill, De Angels Bar, Ibari Ogwa, Havanna Cinemas, Orange Room club, Protea Hotel, Concord Hotel, Immaculate Hotel, All Seasons Hotel, Actiz Fitness Centre, among others.
Relief Market, Ekeukwu Owerre and other Shopping malls such as Shoprite, are all back to full business, which was not possible two months ago.
On the alleged harassment of innocent Imo citizens by security agents, frayed nerves have been calmed and fears removed from the people as they could now pass through the various Police checkpoints and Military road blocks without fear of raising their hands up, unlike during the ignoble days of security impasse in the state. In Imo today, you meet more friendly and professional security operatives, whose eyes are on the ball, securing the state from hoodlums and criminal elements – rather than molesting hardworking innocent citizens, who go about their daily businesses to fend for their families.
Contrary to the propaganda shared on some sections of the media, especially on the social media, that Imo youths are brazenly killed by security agents in the state. The mammoth crowd that attended the 15000 Imo Youth Empowerment Scheme by the State Government also exposed the malicious and mischievous lies of the scaremongers and opposition elements in the state
Many thanks to the Imo State Governor for the proactive and timely measures put in place to combat this security scourge head-on.
In truly demonstrating resilience, empathy and sympathy over the loss of lives in the state, the Governor and his wife also reached out to the families of the victims of security impasse, while announcing the donation of Five Million Naira each to the immediate families of the deceased Police officers, who lost their lives in the line of duty.
As the Chief Security Officer in Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma vowed that the State Government will do everything possible and within her constitutional powers to keep the state safe for all.
The well attended non-denominational Prayer Summit and Thanksgiving service at the Heroes Square, Owerri, is a loud testimony that the peace of God has eventually returned back to Imo State.
Ndi Imo rejoice, the storm is over!
God has finally answered our prayers!!
Life has returned to Imo State again!!!
To God be the glory!!!
Njoku Macdonald Obinna,
Media Consultant|PR-Expert,
Publisher, 4th Estate Reporters
