Emma Elekwa, Onitsha
Traditional ruler of Eziowelle community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state, Igwe Mike Okonkwo-Etusi has advised security agencies to resist the temptation of enriching themselves using Coronavirus pandemic as a cover.
He urged them to avoid over-zealousness and uphold professionalism as they enforce the government lockdown order as preventive measure to curb the virus spread.
Speaking during a courtesy call to his palace by one of his subjects, Chief Chidiebele Chikelue who gave palliatives to the community, the monarch also advised youths not to resort to rioting on matters that could be resolved through dialogue.
He further tasked journalists always apply the social responsibility approach and avoid dissemination of false news in order not to cause unnecessary tension on the polity.
Recalling the recent incident that led to loss of lives at Nkpor and Ohofia, the royal father described the pandemic era as a delicate situation that required strict caution as people carried out their duties.
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He said, “The security agents should not see the COVID-19 period as an opportunity to enrich themselves. They should use the powers given to them by government carefully and not resort to killing people.
“Youths should not engage in rioting over a matter that can be resolved via dialogue.
“Pressmen should report with caution, stop fake news, remove bias and partisan politics while writing. Some politicians just like Democrats in America are using the pandemic to their advantage for campaign but journalists should not employ such when writing.”
He thanked Chief Chikelue for reaching out to over 650 persons with cash for condiments, tubers of yam, bags of rice, cartons of Noodles.
Responding, Chikelue said the gesture was not for self agrandisement but targeted at helping those he was better than by being his brothers’ keeper.
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