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Gov. Uzodimma backs military raid on Imo market
Gov. Uzodimma backs military raid on Imo market
Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo State has explained why the Nigerian military raided Eke-Ututu Market in Orsu Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.
Soldiers had raided and burnt some shops in the market after materials for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were allegedly uncovered in the place.
Speaking on the development at the Government House in Owerri, on Wednesday, Uzodinma told newsmen that bandits operating in the area use the IEDs to fight security operatives.
The governor said the Nigerian Army on duty around Orsu Awo-Idemili died last month from an explosion from the device.
, “Last Saturday, a joint security force, which arrested a bandit, took him after his confession to guide them to where they operate from and manufacture the explosives,” he said. “It turned out to be Eke-Ututu Market.
“They discovered four shops where fertilisers, ammonium sulphate and electrical gadgets used in manufacturing explosives were packed.”
Uzodinma said the Captain, who led the operation, together with another officer, was currently lying critical at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.
The governor further said that the soldiers recovered all the weapons and fertilisers used by the bandits to manufacture IEDs.
He said, “In the process, they burnt down shops and this is consistent with our policy.
“However, they were so tactful that no innocent life was lost.
“They were able to destroy all the shops where the items were stored.”
Uzodinma expressed concern that rather than visit the scene to ascertain the true situation of the event, opposition candidates preferred to condemn the activities of security agencies.
The governor said that some were so brazen to blackmail the security agencies, questioning why they should go there at all.
He also added that traders were not allowed into the market “without paying taxes to unknown gunmen.”
“These are illegitimate taxes to enable people to open their shops.
“This is what we have been fighting all through,” Uzodinma said.
Uzodinma said that his administration would stop at nothing in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping in the State.
He said, “It is not politics. It’s about the security of lives and property of our people.”
According to the governor, the State government will continue to support security agencies to work efficiently.
Uzodinma, who expressed regrets over the “collateral damage” suffered during the raid, promised to replace and rebuild the market.
“So, when Eke-Ututu Market is destroyed to give Imo peace, the Government will also rebuild it.
“If, in the process, there are innocent traders who lost their items, the Government will work out compensation for them.
“But the government has a responsibility to fight crime,” Uzodinma said.
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We Must Build A Virile Legislature For The Future, Speaker Obasa Says
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Sunday, counselled members of the House to strengthen the legislative arm of government ahead of the future.
Dr. Obasa gave the advice in Abeokuta, Ogun State at the opening of a three-day budget retreat for lawmakers and staff of the House with the theme: ‘Optimising the legislature’s power of the Purse’ for effective service delivery in Lagos State’.
The Speaker challenged the lawmakers to be committed in their legislative duties as they must leave lasting legacies for the future, strengthen governance, responsibility and accountability.
He charged the lawmakers on improved and effective legislative oversight functions being one of the responsibilities of the legislature.
“What we do now is really not about us; it is for the totality of the system.
“I appreciate this budget retreat. Each one of us must be responsible in carrying out the assignments we are tasked with. This is very essential.
“We carry out budget scrutiny based on what is presented by the executive. Once we give a go-ahead, it means the executive must comply and treat it accordingly because it has become a law.
“Going forward, all the reports of each committee must be presented at the floor of the House. This will help us decide on how to act for the sake of transparency and accountability,” the Speaker said.
He advised the lawmakers against docility in the task of ensuring that Lagos continues to weather economic storms.
“We all have roles to play and, in doing that, sentiments and self-benefits must be removed. The day you start with self-benefit, you have become a failure.
“If you do your job the way you should do it, you will earn your respect and will be held in high esteem by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“We are here today again to look at how we can improve on the laws we make at the House of Assembly as well as our oversight functions.
‘Let’s continue to be dedicated and loyal and I am sure we will get there. Let’s always straighten the path for Lagosians and those coming behind us,” he urged.
In his opening remark, the Clerk and Head of Service of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, described the retreat as an avenue to have insights into the state’s budget.
While commending the Speaker, he urged the participants to “be attentive and take home fresh ideas and knowledge.”
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
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