Traditional rulers in Imo State on Tuesday condemned in strong terms the recent attack on the country home of Governor Hope Uzodimma at Omuma and called on security agencies to carry out thorough investigations into what transpired and ensure that the culprits and their sponsors are brought to book.

Rising from a critical meeting that lasted for hours at their office in Owerri, the traditional rulers also threatened to invoke curses on those behind insecurity in the State should they refuse to change.

In a communiqué at the end of their meeting that was well attended, the Chairman of the Traditional Institution and Chairman Imo State Community Policing, HRH. Eze Dr. Emmanuel Okeke, said the monarchs are of the opinion that the attack was politically-motivated and therefore warned the politicians instigating the crisis to have a rethink or be ready to face the consequences.

The monarchs said as custodians of the culture and tradition of Imo State they are appealing to all that are involved in the wicked act to desist from it and if they refuse, “the traditional institution will consult the gods of the land and invoke curse on whoever that is involved.”

They acknowledged that the security situation in Imo State requires all hands on deck to secure the state so as to ensure that peace, progress and development thrive in Imo.

They commended the efforts of the security agencies attached to the Governor’s country home for repelling the attempted attacks and pledged their continued support to them in their efforts to secure Imo State.

They emphasised that Governor Uzodimma is God sent to Imolites and must be seen as such, and reiterated that any attack on the Governor is an attack on Ndieze, Imo people and Ndigbo in general.

The Imo Traditional Institution seized the opportunity to call on the youths to resist attempts to be used by politicians as willing tools for evil machinations, noting that every damage done to the property and businesses of Imo State would be replaced with monies that would have been channelled to other developmental projects in the state.

They however pledged their unalloyed support to the policies and programmes of Governor Uzodimma, regardless of the current security challenges.

•PHOTO: Chairman Imo State Traditional Institution and Community Policing, HRM Eze Dr Emmanuel Okeke(middle) HRH Eze Goddy Okeke representing Okigwe Zone (left) and HRH Eze Akujobi Osuagwu representing Owerri Zone( right) addressing Newsmen after their meeting held at the Eze Imo Palace, Mbari Street, Owerri

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