By Chuks Nwokeji
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, deserves a standing ovation for acting proactively and perfectly in the face of tension, accusations, alleged police molestation or brutality depending on the side of the coin one views it, accusing fingers and denials on tension breeding activities at Ihu Elu Umuezuo Naze, between the indigenes and the immediate past Commissioner for Industry,Mines and Solid Minerals, Rt Hon.Ernest Ibejiako, which many stakeholders and political observers expressed conviction it was instrumental to his redeployment from the Ministry of Industry to the Ministry of Tourism Hospitality and Culture.
Considering how the redeployment has significantly reduced tension and situations that would have snowballed into lost of lives and property, it will be proper for Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, to follow the footsteps of the governor with Solution-driven action to address allegations of police molestation and lamentations raised by the indigenous people of Umuezuo in the petition on his table.
Now is the time to give order so that his allies will not directly or indirectly use police to intimidate, molest and harras the people of Umuezuo on the same Uhu Elu land that the alleged grabbers have failed to provide the Land Acquisition Papers by government during the era of Mbakwe, their inability to provide this document have compelled media observers to believe the claim of the people of Umuezuo that it has not been acquired by the government.
It is generally said that good things are good to emulate, the onus is on Imo, CP to follow the footsteps of the governor, as the number one police security officer in the state, he has always shown good example in character and conduct, this particular one will not be an exception because is not in his character to support evil or keep quiet in the face of unwarranted provocation against innocent and helpless civilians.
The Holy Book was absolutely correct when it says "by their fruits we shall know them" as seen in Matthew 7:16-20,
This verse is often interpreted to mean that a person's true character and nature will be revealed by their actions, inactions or behavioural manifestation and the results they produce (their "fruits").
The above explanations and expressions, deeply defines the personality of Imo State, Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma, his mindset and attributes with a compelling need for the state commissioner of police to follow his good footsteps.
His approach towards issues raised about Rt.Hon.Ernest as seen in the redeployment has once again helped us to evaluate and examine his actions, attitudes, and motivations, how it reflects good character as a leader with a listening ear, it demonstrates his humility, love for the people, and passion for peace and harmony.
One good thing, friends and foes cannot deny about Imo State Governor, is his quality leadership as well as behavioral manifestation as a listening governor. Hate or love his style of leadership, he is not the talking type,he is action and Result-oriented leadership personified.
In the governor's recent redeployment, he took Rt.Hon. Ibejiako from the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals to the Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, while his counterpart, Barr. Jerry Egemba, moved from Ministry Tourism, Hospitality and Culture to Ministry of Industry.
In the Ministry of Industry and Solid Minerals, many negative issues were raised against, Rt Hon.Ernest Ibejiako, ranging from challenges from Dredgers, some sections of Naze Industrial Cluster and allegations from the people of Umuezuo Naze who accused him of land grabbing particularly, Ihu Elu, Umuezuo, which he denied to the best of his knowledge but there are pictures of residential houses he marked probably for demolition.
There was series of media reports, the petition to the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma was another dimension of the media battle between him and his accusers.
The petition made available to newsmen in Owerri read in parts; "Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, Sir;
'I, seek your intervention in a matter of great concern on the rising spate of alleged police brutality against the people of Umuezuo Naze, Owerri North LGA, allegedly instigated by Rt.Hon Ernest Ibejiakor due to their determination to stop him from grabbing Uhu Elu Umuakagu Ancestral Land which has been acquired by the state government for any over riding public interest.
It may interest you to know that police officers have always accompanied him to the area and have engaged in harsh and violent acts against the people of the community, causing harm and suffering to innocent civilians"
Issues about the former Commissioner for Industry have come and gone, the redeployment has happened, but there is a vital lesson to learn from it, is beyond the announcement and hand over ceremony, it came with a clean clear message that Imo State is governed by a listening leader who cannot give room to issues that breed tension, violence, threaten peace and harmony in the state.
Considering the fact that there is a petition on allegation of police molestation against the people of Umuezuo, Available Reports reveals that these police men allegedly molesting the people of Umuezuo arefrom Mopol 18. One major lesson Imo state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma should learn from the action of the governor and out come of events is that Imo state is governed by a listening leader who's proactive and preventive on issues that can breed violence, tension,crises or threaten peace and progress in the state.
Now that the governor has taken a proactive and preventive solution driven action, the onus is now on Imo state commissioner of police,Aboki Danjuma to follow up with a complimentary action by ensuring that no police officer is directly or indirectly used by the allies of the former commissioner of Industry to harras, intimidate or molest the people of Umuezuo on Ihu Elu Ancestral Land which has not been acquired by the state.
By this singular action, the commissioner of police will further prove to also be a listening leader who prioritizes attentiveness with issues capable to breed tension are raised.
When a leader gives attention to yearnings of the people, it shows he values and respects their views
Attentiveness is not just about hearing words; it's about understanding the underlying message, emotions, and needs, the message of the people of Umuezuo are clear.
By prioritizing attentiveness and consideration, a listening leader builds trust, fosters collaboration, and drives success.
With what Governor Hope Uzodimma has done to douse tension through redeployment,
All eyes are now on the Imo State Commissioner of Police,CP Aboki Danjuma to follow his strategic and peaceful footsteps with Consolidatory moves that will put total end to allegations of police molestation of the people of Umuezuo Naze and further strengthen peace and progress in the area and the state in general.