Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Traditional rulers and clerics in the South East region have urged politicians in Imo State to end their hostilities to save the state, stressing that the state has become a war zone. They lamented the invasion of a church by officers of the Nigeria Police on December 26, 2021 to arrest candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the 2019 governorship election, Uche Nwosu, and the exchange of gunfire between unknown gunmen and law enforcement officers. The Igbo nation is appalled that those responsible seem unable to gauge the consequences of their conducts. The tension, violence and failing law and order in Imo State have resulted in many deaths, including those of traditional rulers, missing persons and abduction of scores of youths by law enforcement and non-state actors. The statement lamented that the state of affairs in Imo should be blamed on some politicians and their cohorts, who constitute an assault on the dignity and wellbeing of Imo people and the Igbo nation. They urged all political leaders in contestation and their followers to desist from all actions that would escalate the situation and to examine their conscience. They proposed to hold meetings with Governor Hope Uzodimma, former governors, former governorship candidates and elders of the state to review the situation and proffer a lasting solution.