The Imo State government has issued a stern warning against the promotion of ethnic tensions and divisions under the guise of addressing insecurity concerns in the state.
Declan Emelumba, Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, expressed concern that profiling and stereotyping of particular ethnic groups by certain political interests could endanger the safety of Ndigbo residing in other parts of Nigeria.
The warning follows a viral video by Kissinger Ikeokwu, an aide to former governor Emeka Ihedioha, who accused the Fulani community of perpetrating crimes in Imo State and alleged that Governor Hope Uzodimma has been inactive in addressing the situation.
Emelumba described the accusations as "worrisome and capable of inciting hatred against Ndigbo in other parts of the country," particularly noting that no evidence was provided to support these allegations.
Contrary to the claims in the video, the commissioner highlighted that Governor Uzodimma has actively supported security agencies in combating insecurity. He cited the swift response to the Aba-Owerri Road security breach mentioned in the video, which resulted in 23 arrests—none of whom were Fulani, according to Emelumba.
"Curiously, and contrary to the claims of the political merchants, none of the 23 arrested in connection with the incident was a Fulani," he stated.
The commissioner presented statistics indicating significant progress in the state's security situation, including the arrest of over 5,000 criminals, rescue of more than 200 kidnap victims and 500 stolen babies, and recovery of 1,358 arms and 3,000 ammunition.
Emelumba alleged that opposition politicians were behind the viral video, aiming to cause divisions among Ndigbo and other Nigerians. He questioned the connection between insecurity and Governor Uzodimma's participation in national assignments with other governors, suggesting it was merely an attempt to tarnish the governor's reputation.
"I have never seen a state where the governor carries cassava stems to farmers by himself for him to be acclaimed as working. That is what these renegades want him to do," Emelumba remarked, emphasizing that the governor has appointed commissioners and aides to assist in fulfilling his duties.
The commissioner assured that despite these provocations, Governor Uzodimma remains focused on his responsibilities as both governor and chief security officer of Imo State.
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