Politics, Politics
…organises stakeholders summit soon
THE Imo Economic Development Initiative, IEDI, a not-for-profit, non-political think-tank, has expressed concern over the state of insecurity in the state, calling on all concerned parties to embrace peace.
Also, the IEDI is to convene an all-inclusive stakeholders’ meeting to address the worrisome situation and fashion a way forward.
Led by Prof. Maurice Iwu as chairman, IEDI started this after its emergency meeting held on Sunday, June 6.
A statement signed by Jerry Chukwueke, chairman of the ad-hoc committee set up by IEDI to address the security situation in Imo State, condemned the wave of bloodletting, wanton attacks on security personnel, security formations and destruction of government facilities, including prisons, police stations and INEC offices in the state.
“We plead with all concerned to stop these killings, bloodletting and destructions going on in Imo State, as this is no way to advance the course of any legitimate agitations and/or frustrations as regards the feelings of marginalisation, inequality, injustice and lack of inclusion by most of our people, real or perceived in the Project Nigeria,” the statement said.
It expressed concerns over the devastating effects of the security situation on the economy of the state, noting that Imo State, which was previously renowned as a strong brand in hospitality, leisure, entertainment and education, has now become a theatre of war and bloodletting.
It added that the development has left the people traumatized and the economy on its knees.
IEDI said that the proposed stakeholders’ meeting, which is set to hold soon, will go a long way in redressing the grievances and charting a path forward for the state.
“This (stakeholders’) meeting will accord representatives of all Imo State stakeholders, including senators of the three zones in Imo state, past and present, all House of Representatives members from Imo State past and present, all members of Imo State House of Assembly past and present, traditional rulers, the business community, town unions’ Presidents General, political party leaders, student bodies’ executives and youth organisations’ executives, Imo Government and security agencies, the opportunity to come together and discuss in order to fashion a way forward and restore peace and normalcy,” it said.
Nonetheless, IEDI has urged the Imo State Government to stand strong to protect the lives and properties of the people, in addition to taking all necessary steps to diffuse the situation and restore normalcy.
Also, it condemned any act of disrespect for the fundamental human rights of Imo citizens by security agents, including indiscriminate arrests, unlawful detentions, extrajudicial killings and collective punitive measures.
Founded five years ago, the IEDI is made up of prominent Imo indigenes and distinguished sons and daughters of the state drawn from various sectors, among whom are globally renowned entrepreneurs, professionals, seasoned members of the academia and Imolites in the Diaspora. – sourced from Global Patriot.
– June 10, 2021 @ 6:36 GMT /
Tags: IEDI decries insecurity in Imo State Jerry Chukwueke Maurice Iwu
