The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has asked Imo people to ignore the rumours making the rounds that hoodlums are planning attack on some institutions and government facilities in the state, saying they are unfounded.

Governor Uzodimma assuaged the fears of Imo people on Sunday, May 23, 2021 after a Church Service at the Government House Chaplaincy in Owerri, the state capital.

He noted that rumours have been making the rounds of late that some unscrupulous elements are planning attacks on some public and private establishments in the State such that nothing will remain after the attacks.

But Governor Uzodimma said that such rumours were designed to put fears in the mind of Imo people and assured that no such thing would happen.

“Imo people and residents should go about their businesses without fear of molestation or harassment. What happened in the past weeks will never repeat itself again.”

Uzodimma seized the opportunity to reiterate his earlier stand that those perpetrating the violence and evil in Imo State are mostly not Igbo people but hired machineries.

He insisted that the Government under his watch will not allow those who visited mayhem on the people to operate again in Imo State.

His words: “We will crush anybody that attempts to cause mayhem or attack Imo people again. Government cannot surrender to blackmailers, hoodlums and perpetrators of violence who have sworn to make the State ungovernable.”

The governor reiterated that over 400 of those who carried out the threats on the State in the past have been arrested and undergoing trials in the courts, adding: “The good thing there is that over 70 per cent of them are not Igbos.”

Concluding, the Governor enjoined the citizens of Imo State to “feel free so long as you are not a criminal”.

He also advised those planning to visit the State with any form of violence to have a rethink as “government is more than ever ready and prepared to keep Imo safe and secured.”

In another development, Governor Uzodomma has felicitated with the Chaplain of the Government House Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Dr. Gilbert Alaribe, on the occasion of his 50th birthday, Sunday.

Speaking at a ceremony organised by the Governor to appreciate the Rev Father at the Chaplaincy after the Church Service, the Governor said: “It is necessary that we appreciate our own at a time like this towards the building of the spiritual life of members of the Church and Imo people in general.”

Responding, the celebrant expressed his gratitude to the Governor and all who were present for the honour done him and for “making the birthday a unique one.”

He prayed for God’s protection for all.

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