Security: Shun Protest - Ikwo Council Boss Enjoin Youths

The Executive Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Sunday Basil Nwankwo has called on youths of the Local Government to shun all form of protest within the area. He noted that protest of any form is inimical to progress and development of the society and there is no need for any form of protest in the Council or in any other part of the State. The Chairman who pledged to unveil more skill development and empowerment programmes for youths of the area, stated this while addressing journalists at the end of an enlarged Security Council meeting held at the Local Government Headquarters, Onuebeonyi Echara. 

He called on heads of public and private institutions in Ikwo, Traditional Rulers, Development Centre Coordinators, Ward Councilors, Town Union Presidents and leaders of youth organizations to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that hoodlums do not hide under the cover of any protest to commit crime or public disorder in any part of the Local Government. 

Barr. Nwankwo who applauded the cordial working relationship existing  between security agencies and leaders of the various communities in Ikwo LGA, also advised leaders of tricycle operators, and okada riders to regulate their working hours and the activities of their members within the month of August and beyond. He assured Ikwo youths that their welfare would continue to receive positive attention, stressing that government at all levels are currently making efforts to reduce hunger and address other challenges facing the county. 

In his word, “the public need to know that we held a Security Council meeting with all the heads of security agencies in Ikwo Local government area, today 30th July, 2024. The meeting was to review the security situation in the Council generally, and in particular, the threats of protest in the country. 

“The Security Council urged the Executive Chairman to further engage with the youths from the twenty wards in Ikwo LGA and all segments of the society with the view to letting them know that there is no need for any protest, especially in Ikwo Local Government Area or anywhere in the State. Because protest leads to destruction of properties and there is no need for that. There are other ways and approaches that Government can be engaged more appropriately outside protest.   

“The heads of security agencies assured the Council that they will deploy patrol team to all nooks and crannies of the Local Government to respond to any threat that may lead to breakdown of law and order.

“Engagement is always ongoing. Part of it is that effective from Monday, the Local Government will commence reorientation and awareness program with the youths of the twenty wards of Ikwo LGA. After that, we talk of some skill acquisition and other engagement to get them busy, so that the youths will form substantial segment of what is happening at the grassroots.

“The truth is that the youths are now better informed. We are reaching out to town union presidents, village heads and other leaders at the grassroots level, and with this good information, first August will be peaceful and will go like every other days.” He concluded.