By Chidinma Amaechi.
An APC chieftain in Imo state and former House of Assembly Aspirant in the 2019 election, Arch Chukwunonso Nnaji (Mnia ), has suggested the use of dialogue to end the incessant crisis .
In a chat with Newsmen the renowned administrator and politician who has excelled greatly in the social and political sphere, Arch Nnaji unequivocally stated that the best approach to the recent unrest is a subtle dialogue, he said the Government Should key into the minds and wishes of Imo people and make reforms that will be in the interest of Imolites .
Arch Nnaji condemned the use of the military on Imo people, citing the case in Orlu which according to him claimed the lives of innocent and unarmed citizens. In his words “The military presence in Orlu claimed the lives of some innocent civilians, like Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State said, you can proscribe a group but you cannot proscribe an ideology, as long as the average Igbo Farmer sees the armed Fulani herdsman as a threat to his life and livelihood he must find a way to protect himself “he submitted.
Arch Nnaji, further suggested the use of other security outfits, such as the police, civil defense Corp and sister agencies to assist in maintaining Peace and stability instead of the military, he enjoined the Government, and well meaning individuals to assist in restoring Peace in Imo .
Reiterating on the ban of open grazing , and Ebubeagu security network Arch Nnaji said “The Ban on open grazing and Ebubeagu security network came late, these are reforms that would have since been championed by the Government before the IPOB leveraged on it to command popularity and love of the people , Example in the southwest, Akeredolu APC Governor of Ondo state insisted on Amotekun security network inspite of the fact that the APC led Federal Government of Nigeria frowned at it but today his people are complying with him because he stood by them amist pressure they didn’t need to resort to self help unlike the southeastern ESN counterpart” he said.
Arch Nnaji called on stakeholders and leaders in the state to unite, be tactical and assertive to address the issue of security In Imo. he seized the opportunity to plead with the state Government and seek for the release of some Imo citizens which according to him .were unjustly detained, Arch Nnaji asked; why would you arrest 157 people over an attack caused by 6 people and you expect innocent bystanders to trust your methods ?he urged the state Government to address critical issues as a matter of urgency to meet the needs of citizens to avoid agitations that will lead to civil unrest.
Arch Nnaji, commended the state Governor Distinguished senator Hope Odidika Uzodinma for his investigative capacity, doggedness and wisdom in piloting the affairs of the state during the heat of the crisis describing his efforts as a step in the right direction adding that “it is not too late to mend fences all stakeholders must get involved to put an end to this crisis”
Meanwhile, the peaceful state of Imo has suffered some setbacks in recent time, due to incessant killings, burning, associated with civil unrest ,worst hit is Orlu, Orji, Amakohia , Wetheral Road, Douglas Road and environs, TRUMPETA on a fact finding mission spoke with some residents , a resident who claimed anonymity has this to say ” The Government and those in authority should find solution to this problem we hardly sleep at night, everyday shooting I was almost hit by a stray bullet some days back which way Nigeria, I weep for my state” he submitted.
