By: Imo Thomas -Umuahia.
The state government, while announcing the release of a prominent Abia businessman, Chief Lawson Obasi, from the kidnaper’s Den, has read riot act to Traditional Rulers shading criminals in Abia state, warning that any traditional ruler found harboring criminals will be treated as an accomplice.
Prince Okey Kanu, Abia state commissioner for information, read this riot act on Wednesday evening while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s EXCO meeting chaired by Dr. Alex Otti, Abia state Governor.
He said that security Agencies have been directed to begin to scrutinize Traditional Rulers to identify those who may be harboring criminals, adding that any traditional ruler found harboring criminals will be treated as an accomplice.
He used the occasion of the briefing to state that the businessman, kidnapped around the Ukwa area in the state for a couple of weeks, has regained his freedom and is doing fine healthwise.
He called on Abia residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security Agencies and equally urged Town Unions and Traditional Rulers to be alive to their responsibilities of safeguarding their domains.
On the Umuahia Urban Renewal project, Prince Kanu said that the initiative to transform Umuahia into a modern city is progressing steadily.
“Quite a lot of work is going across the state capital, including the Akanu road, the Library Avenue (Bank) road to Federal Medical Center (FMC) junction, quite a lot of work have gone on that and very soon would be ready for commissioning.
“They are all part of the efforts to turn Umuahia into a beautiful modern city,” Prince Kanu stated.
On the transport sector, the Information commissioner reiterated that the ongoing registration of all commercial Vehicles in the state is still in progress.
He announced that strict enforcement of the directives would soon commence and urged those yet to comply to do so immediately to avoid being penalized.
