Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has defended President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers State, describing it as a necessary measure to safeguard critical economic assets and prevent further instability.
Speaking during an interview in Lagos, Uzodimma, who chairs the National Economic Council’s subcommittee on crude oil theft, emphasized that the federal government had to act decisively after pipelines were sabotaged, threatening Nigeria’s oil production quotas.
“When pipelines were bombed, we had to prioritize safeguarding production,” Uzodimma stated. “At a time when we are making efforts to boost output, anything that leads to further leakage or reduces our production quota should not be encouraged.”
The governor revealed that Tinubu, as the nation’s Chief Security Officer, consulted with stakeholders before taking action, expressing concerns over the escalating tensions in Rivers State. Uzodimma questioned what would have happened if the state House of Assembly had succeeded in impeaching Governor Siminalayi Fubara, warning that such political crises could set a dangerous precedent.
“Power belongs to God,” Uzodimma said. “If you are meant to be a governor, God will defend you. But when tensions rise to the point of threatening national economic interests, the federal government has a duty to step in.”
The Imo governor also dismissed claims that Tinubu’s administration favors the South-West in appointments, arguing that Nigeria’s challenges require merit-based leadership rather than regional considerations. He praised the president’s reform-driven approach, contrasting it with the previous administration’s style.
On insecurity, Uzodimma maintained that much of the violence in Imo State was politically motivated, orchestrated by those who lost elections. He reiterated his administration’s use of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to restore peace, including youth empowerment programs and infrastructure development.
Regarding calls for state police, Uzodimma confirmed that all 36 state governors, including the FCT, have endorsed the proposal, which is now before the National Assembly for legislative action.