PART OF THE TEXT OF THE PRESS BRIEFING BROADCAST BY GOVERNOR ROCHAS OKOROCHA AT GOVT HOUSE OWERRI YESTERDAY.

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….. on the Appeal Courtjudgment concerning the Local Government which has created tension viz –a – viz the statement credited to the federal Attorney – General. Let me state how concerned I am over the controversy of that statement. We have applied for stay of execution and appealed at the Supreme. I swore to uphold the Rule of Law, the application for stay of executive and appeal at the Court is to maintain the status quo. The Federal AG may not be well informed about the matter and the police who are working like a sheriff without proper court order which is against the Rule of law and Due process. I urge Imo people to be law abiding and remain calm. As a father and not as a Governor, I will continue to uphold the Rule of Law and protect interest of all. I am inviting the chairmen to a meeting on Friday. I came into power by the special Grace of God and support of the masses, my people, The interest of my people is uppermost in my mind. Whatever will create controversy and shedding of blood will not be tolerated by this administration. Therefore, I want to warn those instigating confusion here and there to desist because my concern is my people, their welfare and their well being. Let me say that the statement by the Attorney General of the federation could be more inciting to create this type of unnecessary confusion. Both the TC chairmen and the elected chairmen are Imo children. Therefore, there is no need to create any chaotic situation. This nation is faced with so many challenges and problems and Imo has remained peaceful over the years. Therefore, we appeal to all authorities to stop making inciting statements that create disorder in our society. By this I mean that the TC chairmen should desist from any action capable of creating crisis in our LGAs, avoid all forms of crisis and be law – abiding, be gentle in the matter and do not exchange any form of violence at all.

The matter itself is still in the court and once a matter is in court, I don’t have the absolute power to comment on them. But I have taken the decision to make sure there is peace in Imo. Let peace reign from Ideato to Oguta. Let peace reign from Ideato to Okigwe. Let peace reign from Okigwe to Ngor Okpala. Let peace reign in Imo. All over our Local Governments, let peace reign. I want to thank Imo youths for maintaining calm. I will take the matter up with the Attorney – General of the federation and Inspector General of Police.