IMO State governor, Rochas Okorocha has commended ex-militants in the state, especially members of the Niger Delta Avengers, who were said to be operating in the oil producing areas in Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta council areas of the state for keeping their promise to stay away from crime.
He observed that several months after the ex-militants surrendered their arms and embraced peace, they have lived up to their promise to remain peaceful, adding that their disposition to the Amnesty Programme “showed that they love their people and the state in general”. Governor Okorocha, who spoke while meeting with the Personnel of the State owned Security Outfit, Imo Community Watch (ICW) at the Hero’s Square, stated that, “the return of peace in Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta areas of the state was one major achievements of the Rescue Mission government in the State.
” He asserted that before he became governor, the state was notorious for kidnapping, armed robbery and other heinous crimes, priding that five years after he took over as governor of the state, it has emerged as one of the safest states in the country. Okorocha commended the Police, Army, Civil Defence, DSS and the state-owned security outfits for their efforts in ridding the state of kidnapping and other crimes.
He said he called the meeting to inform the ICW personnel about government’s plan to re-organize the outfit and make it more people-oriented and to be more effective, adding that it is one of the legacies his administration will bequeath to the next government. He advised the heads of the state owned security outfit to ensure that those with “pot-bellies are removed from the establishment and be replaced with smart young men and women that can rise to the occasion when the need arises.”