BY GODWIN OBI
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has advised that illegal immigrants in Imo State be immediately repatriated to their base to help curb insecurity in the state.
The Director General of NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh gave the advice in a one-day security workshop to enhance security management and awareness in the State.
The summit was in collaboration with Imo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
The DG, represented by the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Mrs Agnes Ajoku said most of the crimes in the state are carried out by illegal immigrants whose identities are unknown to the government.
He said the essence of the security workshop with relevant stakeholders was to review the security situation in the state and agree on possible solution to the menace.
Dr. Jamoh urged the Immigration Comptroller in Imo to checkmate the influx of illegal immigrants and ensure proper documentation of foreigners in the state.
He said that security should not be left in the hands of uniform personnel, while also calling on the general public to ensure that they corporate effectively with security agencies in the state.
The DG called on both military and paramilitary organisations in the state to build a stronger synergy in tackling insecurity in the state.
The Head of Imo and Abia Operations Office of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Ifeanyi Nnaji in his address urged that government should try to restore the core value of Nigerians.
He said only when such value was restored, would the society begin to experience peace stability.
“We need to tackle insecurity from the grassroots and bring back our core value.
“Quick money syndrome is one of the greatest challenges we are facing today, the menace of quick money must be seen as a national emergency,” he said.
The Secretary of Imo Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Lucky Okoro said that insecurity cannot be effectively tackled without good governance.
He said poor implementation of government policies and government negligence to basic needs of the masses was the major causes of insecurity in the country.
“Insecurity started from the grassroots, traditional rulers are helpless with the situation.
“We need government to empower traditional rulers with the law to tackle crimes in various localities, we don’t have any law backing us to fight criminals,” he said.
Among security agencies at the workshop were Nigerian Police, Army, Civil Defence and Immigration, representatives of the state command of Correctional Center and Nigerian Customs.
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