Northerners living in Imo State have been assured of their safety and stay in the state by the governor, Hope Uzodinma.
The governor gave the assurance when he met with the leaders of the Northern community who paid him a solidarity visit in Owerri, and also to ask for the governor’s support in view of recent security challenges that rocked the state in the last week.
“This is where you live. This is where you do your business. You are stakeholders in Imo State. Sit in your house and defend yourself and protect your house. Nobody will drive you away,” he said.
Imo came under attacks in the past six days, with unidentified gunmen attacking, burning police and other government facilities. Last Tuesday, gunmen invaded the State Police Headquarters and the Correctional Service, burning the two facilities and setting free over 2,000 inmates and suspects.
Two more police stations in the state have also been set ablaze by gunmen who attacked them in large numbers.
The governor told the northerners that since they are taxpayers in the state, they should not regard themselves as tenants in their own house. He told them that “once you are here doing your business you are from Imo State”.
He also promised them that “every protection or support I can give to the Igbo man from Imo State I will also give to a northerner who is in Imo State.”
He reminded them that they voted for him overwhelmingly and the government has a programme that will help them live well and conduct their businesses properly.
There were also reports that s“This government has no time for nonsense. Don’t go for self-help. Government will help you. No arrangement by any person or group will be stronger than that of government,” he told them.
