Imo Govt Warns Against Sponsored Protests

The Imo State government has said it would deal decisively with those sponsoring illegal protests in the state.

The government warned such persons, particularly those claiming to be protesters ‘when actually they are mercenaries hired by politicians to disrupt government activities’, to desist from such action.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Declan Emelumba said: “Many people claiming to be protesters for one cause or the other are mercenaries hired by politicians to achieve their selfish purposes.

“The July 28 protest in front of the Government was done by mercenaries working for their paymasters. That protest was led by Ohaneze Collins and M.C Ameche, who both hail from Mbaise. They are not pensioners and anyone who cares can call them to find out. What will they be doing leading a group of people to protest when they are not pensioners themselves?

“There is no doubt that these sponsored protests are part of the narrative of making the state ungovernable by agents of the Emeka Ihedioha administration.

“However, there is always a limit to the patience of even the most patient accommodating mortal. The government hereby insists that any group wishing to exercise its legitimate right to protest must do so through the recognised leadership of such group, particularly on labour and labour related matters.

“Any group of persons who embark on protest without being led by the recognised leadership of the relevant union will be deemed to be on illegal and subversive activity.”