18th April, 2022
Governor Hope Uzodimma has said Imo State is at the moment passing through a trying period, citing killing of innocent citizens and policemen, burning of properties, including police stations.
Uzodimma spoke on Easter Sunday at St. Rose of Lima Parish, Ozuh Omuma, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.
He told the congregation to join him in praying to God to touch the heart of those perpetuating the violence to repent in the spirit of Easter, the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
He said both the violence and arson were alien to the people, until recently, adding that the killings in Orlu are being sponsored by those he called “the wicked, unrepentant politicians”.
The Governor regretted that investigations have revealed that most people killed and those whose homes were burnt were mostly members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said there is no record of any Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) person reported to have died or suffered loss of property as a result of the activities of the so-called bandits.
He therefore called on those behind the dastardly act to repent quickly “before Government will come out in its full weight to go after them,” adding “the killing of innocent Imo people must stop henceforth.”
He however expressed optimism that with God on the side of the people and government victory is assured.
He told those aiming at removing him as the Governor of Imo State, using insecurity as a tool, to stop wasting their time because he is “ordained by God to be the Governor of Imo State.”
“They are challenging God. When you are after the creation of God, you are after God.”
The Governor informed the congregation that the same people who looted Imo treasury years back are the same people sponsoring the killing of hapless and innocent persons as well as instigating unending violence in Imo State.
He said the killings are beyond the involvement of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
Assuring that the end is in sight, he added, “the battle is of God and not me, Uzodimma.”
To his people of Omuma, his community, the Governor assured them that they will never be disappointed in their son as a Governor of Imo State today.
He reminded them that he was aware of their suffering and persecution because their son is the Governor of Imo State, and reassured them that they will not regret the reason God made him Governor of Imo State.
“My government is not weak, my government is only God fearing. The only thing is that we hate to shed blood. But we cannot allow the killing of innocent citizens and the activities of non-state actors in the form of criminals and hoodlums to overtake the political space.
“One thing I must assure you is that I will leave up to the oath of office I took.”
Earlier in his homily, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Isaac Onwuanumkpa described Easter as the highest celebration of Christendom “because the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the only connection that links Christians to God through his son.”
He admonished Christians to always respect their leaders and elders, especially those in positions of authority.
The wife of the Governor, Chioma , the Deputy Governor Prof Placid Njoku and wife, Bola, the former Governor Chief Ikedi Ohakim attended the service.