IGP IN ABIA, PREACHES PEACE, UNITY

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, yesterday, declared that the nation would only grow and prosper in an atmosphere of peace.

Idris, who spoke at an interactive session with traditional rulers and members of Hausa and Yoruba communities at the Okpara Auditorium after a courtesy visit on Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, assured that the police would do everything to sustain peace in the country.

According to Idris whose entourage included the Assistant inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 9, Umuahia, Hosea Karma, the state Commissioner of Police, Anthony Ogbizi and his Imo state counterpart, Chris Ezike and other top ranking officers, “we owe it a duty that we remain united and grow stronger.

“I believe that Nigeria will grow stronger and I have faith in the unity of this country.”

He noted that every part of Nigeria has its strength, which could be harnessed together to build a strong united nation.

The IGP who was in Abia to monitor the activities of the proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stressed the need for Nigeria to remain one, as it is populated by citizens with special attributes of vibrancy, initiative and strength.

He said during his journey from Owerri to Umuahia, he saw happiness on faces of people, an indication that the storm was over. He noted that despite the crisis occasioned by the secessionist agitations and the attendant tension generated by the clampdown by troops of the Operation Python Dance, Nigeria would overcome the stress.

He lauded governor Ikpeazu for the measures he has put in place to arrest the degenerating security situation.

The Abia governor said Abia was a peaceful state and would remain so despite the ugly incidents of the past week, adding, “we reaffirm our faith in one Nigeria.”

While commending the IGP for coming to Abia on solidarity because “the security of Nigerians from Lake Chad basin to the banks of the Atlantic Ocean is very important,” Ikpeazu urged Abians to direct their efforts towards building a peaceful society.

He assured that non-indigenes would always be protected and accorded their rightful place in the state. “We will continue to harbor our brothers (from other parts of Nigeria) and to be our brothers’ keeper (as) we walk gradually to the Nigeria of our dream where peace, unity, justice and fairness would reign.”

Both Leaders of Hausa and Yoruba communities in Abia, Alhaji Yaro Danladi, the Sarkin Hausa and the President of Yoruba United, Abiola Taiye commended Ikpeazu for giving them protection during the crisis.