Governor Hope Uzodinma was attacked yesterday by angry
youths of Ohaji community in Imo State.
Vanguard reported
that the Imo State Governor who visited the community to pay a condolence visit
to families of some victims who lost their lives during a truck crash, was
allegedly attacked by angry youths who accused him of stealing votes.
An eyewitness said;
“Youths of Mmahu
community upon sighting the governor’s convoy “Onye Oshi vote, Onye Oshi vote”
“They were throwing bottles and weapons at the bulletproof
SUV of the governor."
However while the police confirmed that some unidentified
persons attacked the governor’s car while he was inside the palace of the
traditional ruler of the community addressing stakeholders, the state
government in a different statement said the governor was not attacked.
Uzodinma’s Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku said the
governor’s vehicle was smashed by youths who fingered security operatives for
supporting the oil companies rather than their kinsmen.
The statement added
that the angry youths asked Uzodinma to address them and not just traditional
rulers, community leaders and the bereaved families.
It reads in part;
“Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State was not attacked at
Ohaji/Egbema on Sunday contrary to devilish propaganda being peddled by the
opposition.
“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 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.
“Governor Uzodinma who was sober condoled with 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 has been arrested and has made useful
statement to the security operatives.
“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 a party to anything that will be
against my people, I will enjoin all of you to remain calm as the 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.
“While assuring the people that under his watch the problems
of Ohaji/Egbema will be solved, Governor Uzodinma reiterated that he will
ensure that money meant for the development of the area will be put to good
use.”
The youth who
reportedly smashed the Governor's car has been arrested. Here are more photos
below;
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