Kidnapping: Ohakim Blames ‘Political Jobbers’

Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo has blamed the upsurge in kidnapping in the state on the machinations of “political jobbers whose sole aim is to cause mayhem in the state”.       Ohakim made the assertion recently when the Imo State Peace Ambassadors paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Owerri.

The  Tide’s source recalls that in the past few weeks, no fewer that 20 prominent Nigerians including judges, traditional rulers, businessmen and journalists have been kidnapped in the state.

Ohakim said it was lamentable that youth in the state were “ready-made tools” in the hands of those behind the kidnapping.

He charged the Ambassadors to join in the effort to curb kidnapping and other vices in the state, saying that politicians, public servants, businessmen and other stakeholders should contribute towards the sustenance of peace in the state.

He told the ambassadors that his administration had embarked on various projects and programmes geared toward creating wealth and boosting the economy of the state.

The governor continued that his administration had attracted many projects from the Federal Government such as the seaport, and Naval Base at Oguta and a food silo in Okigwe.

Ohakim, however, noted that his efforts to sensitise the political system in the state had brought him in collision course with those “who want the status quo to remain forever”.

Earlier, the leader of the group, Mr Godwin Okwuaka, said they were at the Government House to intimate the governor on the objectives of the organisation.

He said the organisation was committed to promoting peace, education, and conflict resolution, adding that it had on many occasions intervened and reconciled different groups and individuals in the state.

Okwuaka said the organisation would continue to engender greater understanding between the church, the traditional institution and the government with a view to promoting responsible leadership at all levels.