AHEAD OF IMO GUBER ELECTIONS - Why candidates must eschew any tendencies that can threaten the existing peace in Imo State. By: Prince Eze Ugochukwu

IMO STATE PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT


AHEAD OF IMO GUBER ELECTIONS - Why candidates must eschew any tendencies that can threaten the existing peace in Imo State.

By: Prince Eze Ugochukwu

Have you noticed that some candidates for the upcoming governorship election in Imo State has dived into the security challenges experienced in the state as campaign crusade.

In very mischievous manners, they want to turn the whole narrative upside-down against the government. The mantra that Imo is totally unsafe is their main weapon. But we all know that this is not true. People are moving freely in Imo state doing their businesses, going to church, to market and having their weddings, birthdays and other ceremonies, even political campaigns. In fact the national volleyball championship tournament just ended in Owerri today the 10th June 2020. Team's and contingents from all over the 36 States of Nigeria participated. 

It is true that Imo State was not left out in the mayhem visited upon the entire South East states by bandits. Yes, Imo state and her citizens were victims of attacks and killings. Fortunately, we have a responsible Governor in Senator Hope Uzodimma who stood resolute and successfully pushed back the criminal elements in a very commendable way that has won public acclaim.

Candidates must understand that making false statements about insecurity can endanger and put the security of the state at risk. This overzealousness in pursuing the issue of insecurity may even be dress rehearsals to more sinister plans. 

It is therefore barbaric, wicked, crude, and heartless on the part of any governorship candidate to exhume a non-existent insecurity as a campaign mantra.  It needs to be stressed that toying with issues of security may be a double-edged sword that can even haunt those parroting it for selfish political purposes.

At a time when security agencies are working nonstop to sustain existing peace. At a time when some security agents have paid the supreme price with their lives; we see power-hungry politicians busy making irresponsible public statements that have the potential of dampening the spirit of our policemen and women and other combat personnel.

When we condemn the efforts of security agencies, the danger is that we may end up bolstering the menace of bandits. Again, downplaying and not appreciating the efforts of our security men and women may lead to their looking the other way and turning their back on the citizens. In both instances, we cannot contemplate the adverse consequences.

In every society, issues of security are treated with utmost respect due to their fragile nature which can easily be eroded by ill-conceived and insensitive slogans. Therefore, power seekers need to exercise caution, and thoughtfulness in their public communications strategy to avoid far-reaching consequences.

In any case, we thank God that these candidates are enjoying the peace and tranquillity of Imo State, and traversing its length and breadth to canvass for votes.

You can imagine the very nature of man. Instead of commending Governor Hope Uzodimma, these same candidates are busy intensifying the issue of insecurity.

But as the governor said, "They may say all sorts of lies, and they may embark on propaganda-All those things that are seen as obstacles, we must convert them into opportunities...."We have been called all sorts of names, so many people have made a living lying against us, but each time we beckon on God, he will always answer our prayers" Uzodimma started.

We recognize that this is the era of democracy with all the associated freedoms. However the interest of the candidates must be in harmony with the interest of the general public, and their conduct must conform to the rules of obedience to law and order. No one is above the law. 

It must be made clear to these candidates that if they act in a way  of arbitrary interference with the security interests of the state, then government will see to it that the misconduct is stopped, paying not the slightest heed to the position or power of the candidate.

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