Deputy Governor of Imo State, Engr. Gerald Irona, has explained that he didn’t order assault of an alleged electricity installations vandal in Oguta area of the state.
The suspect, whose name was simply given as Chidi, also known as ‘Chidi chassis’, a native of the area was identified by indigenes of the community as being responsible for the disappearance of electrical installations in the area.
According to a statement on Thursday by the Adviser to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Walter Duru, it took the timely intervention of the Irona, also a native of the area and the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Oguta, Mr. Amadi to rescue the suspect from the angry residents.
Narrating what happened, the spokesman said: “In line with the vision of the present administration in Imo State, led by Chief Emeka Ihedioha to ensure that electricity is restored in rural communities of Imo State, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Engr. Gerald Irona opened discussions with the management of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company – EEDC.
“In trying to address the challenge of vandalism and theft of electrical installations, particularly, in “Oguta, Ohaji/Egbema and Oru West Local Government Areas of the state, the Deputy Governor invited some critical stakeholders to a meeting in Oguta Civic Center, Oguta on the 13th of August, 2019, where the issue was discussed.
“Just like earlier reports, a particular name, alleged to be notorious for theft of power installations in the area re-echoed during the meeting.
“In the course of the meeting, no fewer than seven persons identified a particular name, “Chidi”, popularly known as “Chidi Chassis”, accusing him of being responsible for the disappearance of electrical installations in Oguta community. The witness of the indigenes compelled the meeting to invite Mr. Chidi for questioning by the community.
“Upon arrival, all the individuals that accused him stepped out to testify of how he was caught at several instances committing the offence. He was then asked to defend himself against the allegations leveled against him, but, instead of defending himself, he threatened to kill all those that exposed him, using spiritual means.
“The threat was made in the open before Engr Irona, Divisional Police Officer in charge of Oguta Police Division, Traditional Ruler of Oguta community, Priests of different church denominations in the area, community leaders, youth leaders, security operatives and other stakeholders.
“Mr. Chidi is presently cooling off in Oguta Divisional Police Station, where he is assisting the Police with investigation into the vandalism and stealing of electrical installations in the area.”
The statement added that it was uncharitable to accuse the Irona of ordering his beating or detention, instead of commending him for not allowing the agitated Oguta people, who wanted to show their anger on Chidi for allegedly contributing to their being in darkness for eight years.
