GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. By: Prince Eze Ugochukwu

IMO STATE PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

By: Prince Eze Ugochukwu 

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.  —Albert Einstein

These wise words spoken by Albert Einstein emphasize the need for innovation and new perspectives in problem-solving. This quote suggests that the solutions to our problems cannot be found by using the same approach that caused the problem in the first place.

When the incursions from unknown gunmen reared its ugly head in Imo State as was the case in all the South East states, there was hope that in the face of a common enemy, there would be cooperation from all the critical stakeholders.

In Imo State, the matter was made worst when those opposed to the administration openly backed the gunmen. Officials were sought out and systematically slaughtered. With meticulous organisation, lists of government appointees were handed out to bandits who then targeted, killed and burnt their properties. Also targeted were the supporters of the government.

A new perspective in problem-solving was required. A new way of thinking was needed. The government adopted consensus building as a strategy. To a very large extent, consensus was reached on how to tame the mayhem. Unfortunately, the opposition political class refused to cooperate with the government, notwithstanding the best intentions of the administration.

The Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma held well-coordinated stakeholders meetings with leaders from each of the twenty-seven local government areas in Imo state. The discussions centred around the questions; what is the rationale behind this barbaric killing of women, youths, widows, and old men? What is going on? What is the way out?

The roll call included the who is who from each local government. Late Ambassador George Obiozor led the Oru East delegation, Mr Leo Stan Ekeh led the Mbaitoli delegation, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu led the Ihitte Uboma delegation, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was the leader of the Ikeduru delegation, Chief Tony Ezenna(Orange Drugs) led the Ideato North delegation, Barr. Eze
DuruIheoma (SAN) led the Ideato South delegation, and former Governor Ikedi Ohakim and Professor Maurice Iwu led the Isiala and Ehime Mbano delegation respectively. And so it was with the remaining local government areas.

Even the clergy were not left out. Led by the then-Catholic Archbishop Obinna of the Owerri Diocese, the men of God under the auspices of the Christian Association of Nigeria also interacted with the Governor in the quest for a collective solution to the then-raging insecurity.

On a much broader platform, the Imo State government equally held quarterly stakeholders meetings where a cross-section of the population added their voices in the search for peace.

Following therefrom, it was determined that insecurity in Imo State was politically contrived, coupled with the hijack of the agitation by criminal elements masquerading as unknown gunmen.

In selecting another alternative solution to the conflict, the state government granted an amnesty to all armed non-state actors. As part of the implementation process, traditional rulers were mandated to receive repentant persons who will then be rehabilitated by the government after surrendering their weapons.

The government went further to establish a new Ministry of Digital Economy and e-government designed to upscale the training of youths in 21st century digital and technological skills and empower them to earn a living. So far 5,000 youths has graduated. They were equipped with requisite tools and funding. Another batch of 15,000 youths has began their cohort 2 training at over six designated training centres across the state. This has helped in the war against insecurity through the gainful pre-occupation of the youths.

All the stakeholders agreed with the proposed decision that no one should block or obstruct the implementation plans for peace. It was agreed that security agencies must be supported to carry out their constitutional duties of protecting lives and properties.

However, in all these processes of problem-solving, the political opposition in Imo State refused to participate. Shockingly, they set up a panel to penalize a few of their leaders who joined the search for peace. Elder statesmen like Eze Duriiheoma, Osita Nwaneri, Ambrose Ejiogu, and Peter Mgbenwelu were summoned to show cause why they must not be punished. They were all hounded out of their party.

Up till today, the people of Imo State have remained deeply worried as to why the old men were not allowed to join other stakeholders to meet and talk peace. After all, they were only looking for solutions and wanted to join hands with their governor to see what they can do to help.

The opposition who coveted power launched thousands of attacks on the governor using radio, television and social media. Leaders of the opposition openly claimed that they will make the state ungovernable. According to them, they will not rest until Governor Uzodimma is forced out of power by whatever means.

Eventually, peace returned to Imo State. The government was able to secure the state and life gradually came back to normal.

It is therefore surprising why this same opposition has resumed its feast on insecurity in a volatile election season. People are now wondering why the existing harmony should be disrupted furthermore.

The Governor has done well despite all the ambushes laid against his administration. He has delivered on most of his agenda to reconstruct, rehabilitate and recover the state. It is no wonder, therefore, that another insurrection is being hatched by the same forces that are hell-bent on gaining access to power by all means.

The promotion of a peaceful environment as a prerequisite for economic development is imperative. We must all oppose the systemic cooperation between the opposition and armed non-state actors.

It is most disturbing that criminal activities are linked to the interests of the political opposition in Imo State not only as a source of their  gaining power and influence but as a way of disrupting the programs of the government.

Concerned citizens have started to condemn these actions of the opposition in the strongest possible terms while reiterating the need for a peaceful Imo state.