Uzodinma says no need for residents to arm themselves in Imo, dismisses Tinubu’s certificate controversy

By our reporter| Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma on Monday assured residents that there will be no need to arm themselves against gunmen terrorising the state.

The assurance is coming against the weekend’s directive by Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfar for residents of the state to acquire arms to defend themselves against bandits’ attacks.

Bit speaking to reporters shortly after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, Uzodimma said the security situation in Imo has not degenerated to the level of asking the people to defend themselves.

Rather, he expressed confidence in the ability of the security agencies in Imo to curb the activities of armed men disturbing the peace in the state.

The governor, however, admitted that he was not in Zamfara and could not determine exactly why the state government made such a move.

He stressed that his own administration was in control of the security agencies in Imo, saying that was why he affirmed that the situation in the state has greatly improved.

Governor Uzodimma equally disclosed that President Buhari has approved the hosting of this year’s edition of the Nigerian Army Day in Imo.

According to him, the development would further improve the security in the state.

Uzodinma had on Sunday, issued a 10-day ultimatum to gunmen in Imo to immediately come out of their hideouts and surrender their arms to their traditional rulers for unconditional pardon, failure to do so would attract bombardment by the security forces.

Tinubu’s certificate a non-issue…

The Imo state governor also dismissed the fuss about the educational credentials of Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as needless.

According to Uzodimma, the former Lagos governor has run for office in the past and won and there is no need for him to resubmit his credentials to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“For my presidential candidate, the issue of certificates shouldn’t even arise,” he said.

“In 1999, he contested elections and became the governor of Lagos, in 2003 he contested election as second-term governor of Lagos.

“He ran and won as a senator in the country. Where record-keeping is efficient, and the INEC server is functional, he doesn’t need to do a fresh submission.

“However, if whatever he is supposed to submit is not handy, it is not late yet. I’m sure before the time he will submit whatever is required of him.”