By Jennifer John
Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma has pleaded with merchants of violence in the state, to use this year’s season of Christmas celebration to turn a new leaf.
Uzodimma made this call in his Christmas message to Imo people made available to newsmen in Owerri.
The governor’s plea comes few days after he declared the state safe and secure for indigenes to return for yuletide festivities.
The governor said; “As we enjoy the redemptive work of God on us, through the birth of Jesus Christ, it is a good opportunity for agents of darkness in the state to repent and turn a new leaf before it is too late. They must remember that God is watching them, and his vengeance on them is coming, and will come sooner than they have even imagined”.
He noted that he will not be the governor forever, even as Imo State will remain, and added; “If we are indeed Christians, our love for our state and her people should moderate our actions”.
The governor posited that his government was making positive difference in the state, in terms of provision of infrastructure, despite the security and other challenges and hoped Imo people who came home from different parts of the world for the festivities must have taken note of the giant strides of his administration.
He assured that, in keeping with the social contract he signed with Imo people, his government will continue to do its best to make the state a pride of all.
Hear him; “The recent pockets of violence are nothing but the last kits of a dying boss. Security agencies are properly equipped and prepared to confront and defeat any form of criminality in our state going forward.
He revealed that he has directed the Ministry of Transportation to provide transportation for Imo people to-and-fro Lagos and Abuja, to enable them come home for Christmas and that all government workers be paid the 13th month salary.
According to the governor, “Also we shall work through the local government councils to provide some form of succour to indigent persons in various wards and communities”.
