Insecurity: Nigeria Fighting Banditry With Funds Meant For Infrastructure – Uzodimma

It has been reported that the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has lamented that huge resources of the country which ought to have been used for infrastructural projects had been diverted to the fight against insecurity.

According to reports, the governor made this known on Tuesday in Owerri while delivering his speech at an occasion marking Nigeria’s 61 years independence, anniversary  warning opposition politicians to stop sponsoring insecurity in the state.

Uzodinma reportedly disclosed that his administration had spent N8bn on youth empowerment and also commended President Muhammadu Buhari, for fighting banditry in the country.

Uzodimma stated that,  “Unfortunately, we have had to contend with reactionary elements who want to sabotage the nation for purely selfish and political considerations. The unrelenting activities of these elements manifesting in banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality have been a setback to the progress and development of the nation.”

For us in the South East, we should use the occasion of independence to re-evaluate the recent activities of our youths as they relate to our relationship with other Nigerians, our economic growth and our future aspirations.”

He made it known that, “As a people who suffered the devastating consequences of a 30-month civil war, reason demands that we should be extremely circumspect in the pursuit of our agenda. I have said it repeatedly that we stand to benefit more in a united Nigeria where justice and equity define our group existence. As a people who are everywhere in Nigeria, we need to remain agents of consolidation, not division and destruction.  We cannot afford to suffer in our own country, by our own actions or inactions, what our people are suffering in Ghana and other African countries.”