Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has denied a report that he was attacked at Ohaji/Egbema on Sunday.
The denial of the report was made in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser (Gov.), Oguwike Nwachuku.
While denying the report, he explained that the governor was at Mmahu area of Ohaji/Egbema to sympathise with the community that lost three of their kinsmen on Friday following an accident that involved a truck belonging to an oil firm operating in the area.
The killing was said to have enraged the youths in Mmahu, causing their leaders to reach out to the governor to visit the community to call the oil firm to order.
His explanation reads: “Straight from church, Governor Uzodinma, in the company of the Brigade Commander at Obinze, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of State Security Services and Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps visited the area to reassure the community of his willingness to secure their lives and property and to draw a programme for the families of the deceased.
“Governor Uzodinma who was sober condoled the families who lost their loved ones, as he addressed the leaders of the community at the Eze’s Palace.
“While the Governor was addressing the families, some boys among the aggrieved youths were heard making noise outside, accusing the security operatives of supporting the oil companies and demanding that Governor Uzodinma should address them too.
“While the security operatives tried to calm them down and control the noise, one of them allegedly hid behind others and threw a stone at one of the official vehicles of the governor where they were parked and in the process smashed the back glass.
“He was promptly arrested by the security present. While this drama was playing out, Governor Uzodinma was still inside the hall addressing the traditional ruler, community leaders and the bereaved families.
“Contrary to the claims that he was attacked, there is no truth in it as the meeting Governor Uzodinma had with the leaders of the community was fruitful while the families of the deceased were happy he came.”
Meanwhile, one Mr. Uzochukwu Chukuwukere who is the Vice Chairman of Egbema Youth wing said to have thrown a stone that damaged the windscreen of one of the vehicles was said to have been arrested.
Addressing the leaders and families of the deceased, Governor Uzodinma called for calm and peace while promising to deal with the situation that led to the killings.
The governor called on the people to remain peaceful and not to take laws into their hands.
His words: “I will not be party to anything that will be against my people, I will enjoin all of you to remain calm as government will take all necessary steps to ensure that such thing doesn’t happen again.
“You must help me to help you, if you try to take laws into your hands for self-help, then I will not be with you. I can only be with you if you challenge me to solve the problem, in which case you must follow my rules and I will assure you of results.”
The governor expressed worries over the “hazardous method used by the oil company in trucking crude instead of the conventional method of laying pipes and promised that he will tackle the issue head on with the company to forestall future re-occurrence.”
