As part of the strategies mapped out to fight crime and insecurity in
Imo, the state government has struck an agreement with artisans to
fish out the bad eggs in their midst.
It was also agreed that to restore sanity in Owerri capital city,
artisans would relocate immediately to the designated clusters and
markets.
Gov. Okorocha who stated this in a meeting with artisans in Owerri,
said having declared total war on kidnapping and other forms of
criminality, artisans should equally join in the collective fight to
make Imo safer for more investments.
He said “It is a known fact that there are some bad elements in your
midst. Government has resolved henceforth to partner with you in the
fight against crime which will definitely lead to the fishing out of
those suspected criminals. We must collectively fight crime to ensure
that our state is safer for more investment.”
The governor directed the immediate set up of a Joint Task-Force
Committee that will liaise with relevant government agencies to drive
the task of relocating those operating in unauthorized locations in
Owerri city as well as keep the city clean.
Governor Okorocha however, promised to provide additional locations
and the essential basic amenities like electricity, water and access
roads to boost their businesses.
He added that his administration would not relent in providing a
friendly and conducive atmosphere for small scale enterprises to
thrive in the state, adding that further steps would also be taken to
attract direct foreign investments that will boost trade and tourism
in the state.
Gov. Okorocha, who also expressed gratitude to the group for their
support, disclosed that arrangements are being perfected to ensure
that artisans undergo advanced skill acquisition programme in the
newly established Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies
(ICAPS).
The security situation in Imo State has gone beyound partnering with the Artisans. It needs a targated approach with a predetermined result. A contingency approach that will adopt random tracking which emanates from the communities. We are away that most of the hardened criminals mix very well in the market or their business places. To avoid this oversight let us have the cooperation of the community leaders from where we will know who is good and who is bad. When a fact is established against a particular individual, it will be easy to set eyes on that individual even among his business colleagues and environment, Somebody could be under surveillance without presuming same. A criminal is a criminal the different is the level he or she is operating. An example of what I am saying is the issue of Ndi Nne Mma in Aba in early 2000 who had one of the biggest lace and fasion shop in Ariaria. Nobody knew he was such a dangerous armed robber until he was exposed. People of like manners could be existing in the mist of other artisans without being noticed. Besides these crop of people are very smart and until you outsmart them by being proactive you will not get them. This is my candid advice.