Ex-House of Representatives member who represented Owerri Federal Constituency, Hon Ernest Ibejiako has commended Southern Nigeria Governors for coming together for the first time since 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria.
The former lawmaker who, also, represented Owerri State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly who made the commendation in an exclusive interview with Nigeria Newspoint, also called on Imo people to be patient with the Gov Hope Uzodinma adminstration, even as he emphasised that security is everybody’s business.
Expressing happiness over the historic meeting of the governors’ which, held in Asaba, Delta State Capital, the one time Executive Assistant on Security Matters to former Gov Achike Udenwa, stated that while he is not so much keen about what transpired at the meeting, the very fact that the governors could stay under one roof to deliberate on issues is laudable.
According to him, if the nineteen Northern governors can have a common platform where they gather to discuss issues affecting their region, and people, there is nothing wrong with their Southern counterparts taking a cue from them and creating similar platform.
He urged them to continue interacting and rubbing minds regularly as doing that will positively impact the economic and political fortunes of the region and country.
With reference to the Shared Prosperity adminstration of Gov Uzodinma, the ex lawmaker noted that the governor has good intentions for the state as shown by his one and half year scorecard.
He specifically highlighted his visible strides in road construction and rehabilitation, pointing out that the governor has performed creditably in that area, given that he inherited a totally decayed road infrastructure.
Hon Ibejiako while noting that the extent of work done so far by the governor is pointer to what lies ahead for the state, also bemoaned the high level of citizen impatience towards successive governments in the state.
He said: ” Our people should be patient with this government. Let us give it some time. From experience Imo people are always impatient with their governments.”
He continued: ” When Udenwa was in power at a point if you wore his T-shirt and go into the market, you will be beaten up. But, today, the same people are rating him high. They did same to Ohakim and Rochas and that is also happening now”
Rather than continuing on that road which neither benefits them nor the government, the politician cum entrepreneur pleaded with the people to be patient and supportive of the present adminstration to enable it deliver positive results.
On the spate of insecurity ravaging the South East and Imo, he made it categorically clear that security is everybody’s business.
According to him, while government has its own role to play in securing lives and property, the people themselves starting from the family, to the kindred and right up to the community, should also be actively involved in the task, especially at the level of intelligence gathering.
He emphasised that if families, kindreds and communities rise up to the occasion and start playing the roles they are supposed to play, to complement government efforts insecurity will be drastically reduced in the state.
