Osinbajo urges Imo State to resist attempt to thwart her peace
(Nigeria) Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday admonished Imo State people in particular and the South East zone in general to resist attempts by hoodlums to thwart their peace and consequently stall progress and development in the area.
Professor Osinbajo spoke in Owerri, the Imo State capital
while reacting to the attack on the Nigerian Correctional Services and the
Police Headquarters by some hoodlums on Monday.
It was also on a day the Vice President commissioned some
roads - Dick Tiger Road and Dick Tiger Street - abandoned for 28 years, but
which Governor Hope Uzodimma recovered.
After a tour of the
two federal government institutions, the Vice President noted that an attack on a critical institution of
law enforcement such as the Police
Station and Prison is an attack on security and well being of citizens and
described such act as "atrocious and condemnable."
His words: "When you attack institutions of law and
order it is evidence it is not an attack
on justice as usual. It is an attack on
the welfare and well being of the people, especially when you free prisoners, some
of who may be dangerous to the community, dangerous to the people. It is particularly
atrocious and condemnable. Government has already taken steps to enhance
security here and in the Correctional Facilities and the State generally and
that is a continuing process.
“Perhaps more than any other part of the country, this
region has borne witness to the very terrible cost in life, liberty and
progress that is exacted by conflict. It
is a least beautiful lie that our country learned an enduring lesson in the
futility of violence for there are those who believe that to resolve conflicts
and issues other than by violence is cowardice.
"If the voice of their hatred prevails, we will
experience a terrible and needless loss of lives that violence exerts."
He acknowledged that the Nigerian system is not perfect, but
insisted that "what democracy and institution of a democratic governance
provide are channels for seeking peaceful resolution to conflicts and
injury."
The Vice President said there were many working tirelessly everyday to improve the system and called on Nigerians to reject agents of anarchy that seek to weaponize the frustrations and discontent of the youths for their own profits. He warned that the path of violence can only lead to destruction and desolation of communities.
Prof Osinbajo warned that peace should not be taken for
granted, "because it was dangerous to learn the value of peace through the
horrible crucible of war."
He commended Governor Uzodimma for the mature manner he
handled the situation and assured Imo people and residents that the security of
the state has since been further enhanced. "The search for the escaped
inmates began in earnest even" just as he assured that the Federal
Government stands with Governor Uzodimma at a time like this.
Emotions ran high as the Vice President made his way to cut
the tape of the newly rebuilt Dick Tiger Road which was abandoned for 28 years
by previous administrations, and thereby ending the nightmare experienced by
motorists and residents living along the
road, in Egbu , Owerri North Local Government
Area and an adjoining street, Dick Tiger Street.
Performing the commissioning of both Dick Tiger road and
Dick Tiger street, Prof. Osinbajo said they were part of the "landmark
achievement of the Uzodimma administration which has alleviated the decades of
hardship suffered by residents of the area that was once flood prone and left
desolate."
He commended Governor Uzodimma for "aligning with
President Muhammadu Buhari's firm belief that the building of roads, rails ,
power, digital technology and other infrastructural development must be
priority for economic development."
In his speech, Governor Uzodimma pointed out that the road
projects were not ordinary but rather "very strategic due to the socio- economic sustainability
they provide the people of the state."
Governor Uzodimma recalled with nostalgia the former
condition of Dick Tiger road and surrounding street which were flood prone
and swallowed up many houses, resulting
to loss in real estate value.
He expressed gladness that the story had changed for
residents and motorists in the area, noting that "this was an example of
what APC government can do for people of the South East" for which he
described Imo State as "the torch bearer of the party in the region."
A resident of the Federal Housing Estate, Egbu, along the
Dick Tiger Road, Sir George Egu, thanked Governor Uzodimma for ending the 28
years of misery experienced by residents, through whst he called "the
remarkable and unforgettable feat achieved by his administration within one
year."
Business owners and managers such as the Manager of ShopRite, one Mr Bayo, also thanked the governor for
the road recovery, saying it has already given a boost to their businesses.
The commissioning was witnessed by prominent indigenes of
Imo State such Minister of State Education, Dr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Speaker of
Imo State House of Assembly, Paul Emeziem, his deputy, Amarachi Iwuanyanwu,
House of Representatives member, Miriam Onuoha, former Imo State Governor,
Ikedi Ohakim, business mogul and statesman, Eng. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Imo State
APC Chairman, Chief Marcellinus Nlemigbo, APC apex leader in the State, Chief
Tony Chukwu among others.
Also present were Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, former Senate President and APC chieftain, Chief Ken Nnamani, Minister of State, Mines and Solid Minerals, Dr Uchechukwu Ogah and a host of other dignitaries.
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