Imo Assembly passes vote of confidence on Gov. Uzodimma over security intervention

By Senator Onyekwere

Imo  State House of Assembly,  on Wednesday,  passed a vote of confidence on the state governor,  Senator Hope Uzodimma,  for his efforts in restoring law ,order, peace and security in Imo.

The House passed the vote of confidence, following a motion moved by the representative of the Obowo State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibeh during a plenary session.

The motion also called for a Panel of Inquiry to investigate traditional rulers, who have abdicated their thrones and constituencies,  for over three months.

Presenting the motion, Hon Ibeh recalled that the state had  faced severe security challenges, resulting in breakdown of law and order, loss of lives, and property, causing widespread insecurity concerns among residents.

He recalled that the governor tackled the problem with the help of state and federal security agencies , restoring law and order, peace, and security, and rebuilding public confidence in the government.

He went on to commend the governor for the recent deployment of vehicles and other equipment to bolster community policing and security across all autonomous communities in the state.

The lawmaker went on to add that traditional rulers play pivotal roles in preserving law and order, peace, and security in their communities, as mandated by law.

He noted with concern, that  many  of them had abandoned their communities for over three months, neglecting their legal obligations and depriving their communities of the benefits of their leadership.

He, therefore, urged the House to pass a vote of confidence on the Governor for his exemplary efforts in restoring law and order, peace, and security in the state.

Ibeh also appealed to the House to urge the governor to establish a Panel of Inquiry to investigate traditional rulers,  who have abdicated their thrones and constituencies for over three months.

Supporting the motion, the representive  Orsu state Constituency Rt Hon Uche Agabige   observed that a lot of traditional rulers were culpable, with a majority abandoning their seats at the peak of the security crisis.

He said this might have contributed to the proliferation of insecurity before the intervention of the state Government.

Also speaking in support of the motion, the Majority Leader,  RT Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi  stated that the security situation in the state had been stable, because of the Governor’s efforts.

He added that traditional rulers, as custodians of their communities had unfortunately been found wanting in their roles as chief security officers of their communities.

He also suggested that communities with absentee rulers should be merged with new Autonomous Communities amd new rulers coronation.

In his contribution, the Ngor-Okpala representative, Rt Hon Obinna Egu commended the Governor for working hard to eradicate security threats in the state and restoring peace.

Egu equally noted that a large number of traditional rulers had relocated abroad, leaving their duties to Presidents General of their communities who do not have the powers to carry out their duties.

He also observed that the communities with absent rulers will also be deprived of a lot of benefits from the government.

He stressed the need for their immediate return to enable them properly assess the needs of their people and render the service they were called to do.

Following more contributions and a unanimous vote in favour of the first prayer of the motion, the Speaker, Mr Chike Olemgbe  ruled in favour of the passing a vote of confidence on the Governor.

He, however, discarded the call for a Panel of Inquiry to investigate absentee rulers, following a unanimous vote against it by the lawmakers.

He also directed the Clerk to convey the resolutions to the office of the Governor.