Police Avert Another Protest By Owerri Indigenes Over Ekeukwu Market, Elders Meet CP (UPDATED)

The Imo State Police Command,Owerri has averted another round of protest planned by Owerri people over the planned relocation of the ancestral Eke Ukwu Owerri market.

A statement released by the command in Owerri stated the State Commissioner of Police, CP Taiwo Lakanu held a fruitful meeting with elders, youths and women of Owerri at Oha Owere hall, located along Tetlow Road, Owerri on July 17, 2016

The release titled “Re- Planned Serious Protest by Owerri People” reads:

  “Today 17/7/2016 at about 1500HRS, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP Taiwo Lakanu, fdc while on routine patrol around Owerri metropolis in his usual proactive manner, barged into Oha Owerri Town Hall meeting along Tetlow Road, where the Elders, youths and women of Oha Owerri were holding meeting over a planned serious protest on the State Government decision to relocate Eke Ukwu Owerri market.

“The Protest which was scheduled to begin as from Monday 18/7/2016 would have resulted to a very serious consequences to the security of the State if not averted. The Commissioner of Police while addressing the meeting of the resultant effect of such protest, appealed to the Oha Owerri People to tow the part of dialogue with the State government rather than face confrontation with security agents.

“The appeal by the CP was well received by the Oha Owerri People as they promised to sheath their sword in view of the CP's intervention. Oha Owerri People express their love for the Commissioner of Police and assured that they will send delegates to dialogue with State government and express their position on the relocation of the market. 

Present at the meeting were, the leader, Oha Owerri, Billy Anukam, Mr. Chukwuma Igbozuruike, Youth Leader, Mrs Ifeoma Anokwu JP, President General Oha Owerri Women, Chief Leonard Osuji aka Ebubeagu, Mr Brown Chukwueke, Chief Odinaka Osuji, Chinedu Akuchie, Julius Ejiogu and a host of other elders, Youths and women of Oha Owerri.

“Situation is being monitored to forestall any act of lawlessness by any group.

UPDATE: 

Community leaders and elders of Owerri clan led by the Traditional Prime Minister, Chief Paul Nnawuchi, visited the Commissioner of Police, Imo State CP. Taiwo Lakanu, fdc today Monday, 18th July, 2016 to solicit his assistance for them to meet with the State government over the relocation of Eke-Ukwu Market, Owerri. 

Addressing the community leaders, the Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation for their wisdom and maturity in seeking for dialogue with the State government rather than taking laws into their hands. The CP assured that he will assist them meet with the State government while urging them to do everything possible to prevent restiveness and violence that may jeopardise the peace and security of the State.
 
The Community leaders and elders in group photograph with CP. Taiwo Lakanu, fdc.

Source: FACEBOOK PAGE, PPRO, DSP ANDREW ENWEREM, IMO STATE POLICE COMMAND, 18TH JULY, 2016.


PHOTO 1: Some Owerri Elders In A Meeting With CP Taiwo Lakanu In His Office.

PHOTO 2: CP Meeting With Owerri Stakeholders At Oha Owerre Hall, July 17, 2016