I Will Never Negotiate With Criminals – Uzodinma

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has vowed never to negotiate or dialogue with criminals disturbing the peace of the state.

Speaking on Sunday at Government House Chapel, Owerri, the state capital, the governor said criminals “out to bring the state down must be prepared to be brought down as well.”

The governor added that anyone involved in any form of criminality aimed at bringing down the state by any means should have a rethink or be punished.

He said his government will always use its powers in line with the oath it swore to protect the people and their property, emphasizing that no individual, group, or criminals will be stronger than the government.

Uzodimma enjoined the people to be calm “because God is with us and that is why the criminals and bandits failed in their nefarious activities.”

He said: “I will never and not going to negotiate with criminals. Anyone involved in any form of criminality aimed at bringing down Imo State by any means should have a rethink or such persons will have themselves to blame.

”Those out to bring the state down must be prepared to be brought down as well.”

Meanwhile, Governo Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State has declared his intention to negotiate with bandits to find a lasting solution to the security challenges in the state.

The governor said this at the declaration on Friday in Abakaliki at the presentation of 40 vehicles and 20 pickup trucks to security agencies for enhanced operations in the state.

He urged local government chairmen and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to identify the bandits and present them for debriefing.

“I want to talk to the bandits and empower them as we cannot continue to kill ourselves and destroy public infrastructure.

“The bandits are our children and I am pained when they or the security agencies are killed.

“I want to ascertain their grievances against the Ebonyi or federal government, collate the facts for discussions to commence,” he said.