'I Will Not Tolerate Any More Protests in Imo' - Gov. Uzodinma

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has warned that his administration will deal with individuals and groups of persons sponsoring inciting protests in the state.

He said he would no longer tolerate any more protests designed to destabilize government activities and tamper with the peace of the state.

Uzodinma’s threat followed a series of protests that greeted the removal of Emeka Ihedioha as the governor of the state by the Supreme Court.

Speaking when the National Union of Road Transport Workers and Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) held a solidarity rally for him at the government house in Owerri, the governor said that he had tolerated enough destabilization from some disgruntled elements in the state.

He warned that he would no longer fold his arms and watch any group under any guise trample upon the peace of the state.

He said: “My government will do all within the ambits of the law to maintain peace and order; those who are engaging in these incessant protests must stop forthwith. I took an oath to maintain peace and protect the lives and property of the citizens, I will not fail to deal with any group causing a breach of the peace in the state.”

The governor reassured Imo citizens that his administration was for peace and service, ready to provide equal opportunities for the overall development of the state and her citizens regardless of cadre and status as the government would not condone any act of marginalization or unruly attitude.

He also assured the persons living with disabilities that they would not be marginalized.

“Whatever anybody can do I’m sure you can do it, you’ll be given equal opportunities; so I implore you to go on and be happy because this is your government”, the governor said.

The state chairman of NURTW, Comrade Izuchukwu Okebaram and his counterpart in the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Bright Ikechukwu Uzoma said they came to express their solidarity with the governor over his victory at the Supreme Court, describing it as an act of God and a bold step by the judiciary towards restoration of justice; as well as re-enactment of the supremacy of Nigerian constitution