By Chinonso Alozie
Owerri — A plea has     gone to the Imo State Government, from the traditional rulers of the oil rich communities of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state, calling on the government to take urgent steps in resettling the displaced people from the community, who suffered losses as a result of the militant activities in the area.

They made this call in a communique handed over to newsmen in Owerri, and signed by over 10 traditional rulers, including, HRH Eze   G.O.H. Ariaga, HRH A.R. Ikegwuruka  and  HRH Eze W. A.C. Uwakwe.

It read: “We also appeal to the Imo State government to take into account and cognizance, losses suffered by our people displaced and put at a disadvantage as a result of the restiveness and violence.

“Also, we want to commend the aggrieved youths of Ohaji/Egbema for accepting and embracing the offer of amnesty by the Imo State government and urge them to sustain and maintain the peace accord already reached through the exercise.

“We want to pledge our unalloyed support to the Imo State government and declare our willingness and readiness to play our own role in reintegration of the youths and ensuring peace in our domain.”

However, the traditional rulers commended the the governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha, for taking a bold step in the restoration of peace in the then troubled areas and assured him of their unflinching support.

Sustaining pardon  granted to militants

Meantime, the Imo State Government has promised not to renege on the agreement it entered with the pardoned militants in the state.

Governor Rochas Okorocha stated this yesterday through his Chief Press Secretary, CPS,   Mr.   Sam Onwuemedo.

This statement was in response to the appeal made by the traditional rulers from the affected areas, who pleaded with the government to adequately address the grievances outlined by the former militants in the state.

According to the release,  “The governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has assured traditional rulers from the oil producing areas of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta that he will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the appeal contained in the communiqué they issued at the end of their meeting last Friday for the sustenance of the peace achieved in their areas with the pardon he granted to the Avenger militants who had surrendered their weapons and embraced peace is met.”

“The government will do all that is needed to be done to sustain the peace already achieved in the concerned areas.”

However, he said that, the pardon which he granted to the militant was to open ways for proper development to begin in their communities.

“the pardon I granted them on the spot that day showed that peace in the oil producing areas of the state is paramount to my administration” he said.