His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke, CFR, has convened an emergency security meeting involving all recognized traditional rulers, including Chairmen of the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State . The meeting was called to deliberate on Governor Hope Uzodimma’s recent approval for each community to nominate candidates for security training by the Nigeria Police. These trainees will serve as local vigilante operatives within their respective communities.
The outcome of the nearly six-hour deliberation was disclosed to the press, with the Royal Fathers outlining strategies for strengthening security across their domains. They unanimously welcomed the governor’s initiative, describing it as timely and crucial for restoring normalcy, enhancing coordination, and fostering stronger cooperation with security agencies. According to Eze Okeke,
“Today, we held our second-to-the-last meeting for the year, and may reconvene in December. The central issue was security—particularly the deployment of newly trained vigilantes to their communities. We felt it necessary to brief our Royal Fathers so they can return home fully informed and take charge.”
He emphasized that traditional rulers remain the Chief Security Officers of their communities and expressed gratitude to God for blessing Imo State with a governor who has shown exceptional commitment to tackling insecurity.
“Our governor faced an unusual security challenge, but through his capacity and determination, he has drastically reduced insecurity. For this, we are very proud,” he added.
Eze Okeke urged traditional rulers to safeguard government interests at the community level, noting that while government has done its part, the Royal Fathers must now play theirs.
Other traditional rulers also endorsed the initiative. His Royal Majesty, Eze (Amb.) Franklin Cajethan Okafor (Otachereoha II) Ejiamatu—Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers of Oguta LGA, and Chairman of Chairmen across the 27 LGAs—expressed gratitude to God for Governor Uzodimma, whom he described as God-fearing with deep respect for humanity.
Eze Okafor praised the governor’s “vigilante system,” noting that the approval of large numbers of community operatives would help address lingering security concerns. He highlighted that community-based operatives, being indigenous to their areas, understand the terrain and issues better. He described the initiative as a novel approach that deserves full support from all traditional rulers.
He further explained that training is ongoing in batches, citing sessions in Nkwerre and parts of Owerri, where he personally visited trainees to boost their morale in line with the governor’s advice.
Addressing concerns from critics who believe federal authorities must approve logistics for community policing, the Royal Father encouraged his colleagues to adopt homegrown strategies by engaging responsible citizens to support security efforts while awaiting federal backing.
Also speaking, His Royal Majesty Eze Emmanuel U. N. Assor, Odozi Obodo II of Assa Ancient Kingdom and Chairman, Ohaji/Egbema Traditional Council and Community Policing, reiterated the government’s role as an enabler of security. He noted that the governor's initiative is part of broader efforts to safeguard the state. He affirmed that all necessary directives had been issued to the vigilante operatives to ensure the programme achieves its objectives.
He commended Governor Uzodimma for empowering community-based security structures and praised the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers for effectively coordinating Royal Fathers across the state.
The meeting ended on a high note, with traditional rulers charged to return to their communities and begin implementing the government’s policies and programmes aimed at improving security.
Report By Fredrick Njoku