Uzodimma Compensates Security Officers Killed By Gunmen In Ehime Mbano

*Donates N185m To Families, Survivors
*Takes Owerri Leaders On Unity Pledges To Handiver To Zone 2027*

Governor Hope Uzodimma of I’m on State has compensated the security agents who were killed in an ambush by unknown gunmen at Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State in the course of carrying out their duties, doling out N185m to the families of the deceased as well as to those who survived the attacks.

Performing the ceremony on Monday at the premises of the Government House Chapel, Owerri, Governor Uzodimma appreciated the fallen heroes and those of them who sustained various degrees of injuries in the course of the attack, working as operatives of ‘’Search and Flush Operations.’’

Addressing the audience in an emotion-laden voice, the Governor who remembered how the security agents put their lives online to protect the citizens of the State not only prayed to God to grant their various families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss but also to grant the survivors quick recovery from the injuries they are currently nursing.

The Governor noted that the occasion has brought to the fore the situation of insecurity in Imo State “as being beyond what people think and goes a long way to showcase the problems and the negative impact inflicted on the State.”

The Governor recalled that this is not the first time the State Government has appreciated those who died or were injured while carrying out their assigned duties and promised to continue to show love to the families and agencies affected so that they will continue to discharge their duties without fear or discouragement.

He said that although he is aware that the Federal Government and the Security Agencies have different compensation plans for their personnel, “this is an opportunity to appreciate the invaluable jobs the security agencies, that is, Police, Army, Air Force, Navy, NDELA, Civil Defence and other Para-Military Agencies are doing in Imo State.”

Governor Uzodimma proceeded to announce that the Government would give out N185 million to those affected and prayed to God to give the families the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, “and the repose of the souls of those that paid the supreme price to their fatherland.”

Earlier while leading the audience into the reason for the event, the Secretary to Imo State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu welcomed the bereaved families to the solemn event and thanked Governor Uzodimma for “being responsive to the plight of the security agencies in the State.”

He also appreciated the Government for coming to the aid of the families of the deceased and for assisting those who were wounded in the course of performing their duties.

Iwu said that “the attacks and killings of security agencies will not deter them from fighting against insecurity and restoring peace in the State,” and assured that the “Government will continue to support the families and the various security outfits in the State.”

Those who died and were compensated include; Isaac Yakubu and Mr. Samson Edeh of NDELA; Ezeagu Emeka Tobias of NSCDC; Abraham Anas of the Nigerian Air Force and Abas Ejiofor of the Nigerian Police.

The injured officers include; Ibrahim Abubakar, Umeh Lawrence, Akwaraji Charles, Abubakar Haruna, Inspector Odukwe, Onyekachi Ndubuisi, and others.

In a vote of thanks on behalf of the others, a survivor, Umeh Lawrence of the Nigerian Immigration Service, thanked the Governor, the Government and the people of Imo State for the compensation and the various support for the security agencies, families and well-wishers.

He promised that they would not relent in their assigned responsibilities, but rather would continue to discharge their duties gallantly.

Present at the programme were the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, Deputy Governor-elect, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe  and other members of the Imo House of Assembly, members of Imo State Expanded Executive Council, Eze Imo, HRM Eze (Dr.) Emmanuel Okeke and Principal Officers of the Security Agencies and Para-Military Agencies in Imo State, the religious ( Christians and Muslims), among others.
Meanwhile, Governor Uzodimma has restated his commitment to ensuring that his successor in 2027 comes from the Owerri zone, challenging the leaders to eschew rancour and forge a common front that shows their preparedness to provide leadership.

Governor Uzodimma spoke at the weekend when the leadership of Owerri zone in the All Progressives Congress (APC) paid him a congratulatory visit at the Government House. They were led by the Imo State APC Chairman, Dr. Macdonald Ebere.

The Governor who expressed gratitude to them for the visit, restated his commitment that the next Governor will come from Owerri zone and enjoined them not to disappoint the Imo people by quarrelling about it.

Rather, he said, “You have to be united and if possible come up with a consensus candidate.”

Governor Uzodimma acknowledged that the zone has given him maximum cooperation and support, noting that, “any good man must reciprocate every good gesture.”

However, the Governor reminded the leaders that a lot of differences still exist among them and therefore challenged them to take steps to reconcile their differences and unite as brothers and sisters.

“No man or woman will do it alone, because what the State needs most is peace, stability, prosperity, fight against poverty and security.”

 The Governor regretted that insecurity has done a lot of harm to the economy of the State and canvassed the need for all to come together to put our house in order.

 “Now that everyone is together, let no one work against the agreement to achieve the Imo Charter of Equity.”

The Governor said his administration will continue to work hard for the people of Imo State, noting that “the government will not be a lame duck because of the existence of the Charter of Equity.”

Though he reminded them that the implementation of the Charter of Equity will bring a contest for Owerri people, he assured them that since they know one another it is believed that they know “those who will work for the people and those who will work for their selfish interest.”

He thanked them for coming, promising the leaders that have worked well with him, that he will surely work with them, and enjoined them to continue to move along in unity and allow peace to reign.

Earlier,  Dr Ebere said they had come to congratulate the Governor on his overwhelming victory at the just concluded Governorship election in the State.

He said that “the zone saw, fought and conquered,” and that the zone dedicates all to the Governor’s hard work and victory to the glory of God.

Chief Henry Njoku, who read a short address said the victory shows the love of Ndi Imo for the Governor and his general acceptability by the people.

Chief Njoku said that the victory was an affirmation of hard work sterling qualities and confidence in the Governor.
He thanked the Governor for the choice of the female Deputy Governor from the zone and commended him for his commitment to the Charter of Equity that guarantees Owerri zone the next Governor after his tenure.
Speakers for the four Federal Constituencies – Ahiazu/Ezinihitte,  Aboh Mbaise/ Ngor Okpala, Mbaitoli/Ikeduru and Owerri Municipal, Owerri North, Owerri West – all congratulated the Governor and expressed assurance that he will surpass his first term achievements in the second tenure.
They sincerely thanked the Governor for promising to use the Owerri zone to start the implementation of the Charter of Equity.
A former Deputy Governor of Imo State and Executive Chairman of Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB), Lady Ada Okwuonu specially thanked the Governor for recognizing the female gender in his administration, and for camping it up by choosing a female Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru.
Describing the Governor as a “Gender Friendly Governor,” she used the opportunity to advise the Deputy Governor-elect to be “humble, loyal, and dedicated” to her boss and duties as she was in her days.
Other leaders who spoke include – Chief Lemmy Akakem, Hon Ernest Ibejiako, Chief Alex Mbata, Chief Marcellus Nlemigbo, Okenze Obinna, and former Federal Lawmaker, Hon Sir Livy Oguike.