BY RALPH EJIMKONYE
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, top politicians in Imo State, particularly those eying one elective office or the other, are still lying low, as shootings and high level of insecurity continue unabated in the State.
The relative peace in the State witnessed after the attacks on the State Police Headquarters, and Correctional Centre, Owerri on April 5, 2021, crumbled last Tuesday, when gunmen struck at Orji in Owerri North LGA. Three people were reported dead.
With the sit home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and attendant compliance by Owerri residents, politicians in the State have noticeably reduced the intensity of their political engagements, irrespective of political leanings.
In Imo State, there are two dominant political parties, the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Politicians in these two parties in the State fiercely vie for elections in the State.
The PDP had in a statement last week signed by its Publicity Secretary, Ogu Bundu Nwadike, accused the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC led State government of militarizing the State.
This newspaper observed that since insecurity in the State reached an alarming level, there has been less political engagements and activities by politicians in the State.
“My brother, we must talk of life first before politics. We need security in the state before we begin to politick. 2023 is two years away from today.
“I believe there is time as we pray that normalcy is restored in the state and the security situation improves before we talk of politics” said a chieftain of the APC who intends to vie for a House of Reps seat in Owerri zone in 2023.
A political analyst, Sam Ibekwe told INNONEWS that the issue of Insecurity is national issue confronting the nation.
“Before the 2015 elections, insecurity was ravaging the North East yet politicians went ahead to campaign and hold elections.
“It is unfortunate insecurity is now ravaging the South East, but we believe with time and when the situation improves, the politicians will return to the political stage. Elections are something you cannot hold in an atmosphere of chaos and crisis. I believe the situation will improve, then those vying for various elective offices can now jostle for elections.
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