Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma at Easter, said over 90 per cent of those behind insecurity in the state, and especially in the entire Igboland, are Christians.
Uzodinma disclosed this in his Easter message on Saturday, which was also posted on his verified Facebook page.
“It is truly ironic and disheartening that over 90 per cent of both the actors and sponsors of insecurity in Imo State and, indeed, all over Igboland, claim to be Christians.
“Are these Christians the true followers of Christ? Do they even remember the fifth commandment which says, ‘Thou shalt not kill?’ The answer should be obvious,” Uzodinma said.
The governor, who said he had counselled such people on several occasions to let peace reign and allow the state to move forward, noted that violence is abhorred in Igbo culture.
“In several fora, I have literally gone on my knees to appeal to the sponsors and perpetrators of these senseless killings to sheath their swords and embrace peace and reconciliation irrespective of whatever grudges they may have.
“I have also asked for forgiveness from anyone who feels offended by any of the policies or actions of the government of Imo State which I lead currently. In the spirit of the Easter season, I would like to repeat this appeal for forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation in our state,” he said.
Uzodimma, a former member of the Senate, who regretted that the state had become a “killing field where the blood of innocent citizens flow freely,” thus appealed to the people sponsoring the unrest to make their complaints.
He also assured that his administration would address their grievances.
“As peace-loving people, I appeal to you to follow the proper channels to lay down any complaints you may have. As I have done before, I promise to look into these complaints and make efforts to resolve them to the best of my ability,” he said.