The Imo state House of Assembly has called on the state government through the Ministry of
Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs to stop the vandalisation of public utilities in the state.
The call was contained in a motion sponsored by the representative of Onuimo state constituency, Mr Uba Esile.
While moving the motion, Esile noted that the state Governor had done well with infrastructural development in the state, especially road construction and installation of solar powered streetlights.
He noted that the streetlights have not only helped to beautify the roads and provide light for vehicles at night, but also provided security for residents in the state capital.
He also observed that the streetlights have been vandalized by criminal elements in the society, causing great economic loss to the state government and threats of insecurity in the state.
The lawmaker added that this has led to an increase in illegal scrap metal scavenging and
other crimes.
He stated that it has become urgently necessary to safeguard government property which will ultimately save cost and protect Lives and property of residents in the state.
He therefore called on the House to urge the state Ministry of Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs and other security related agencies to collaborate to stop the vandalisation and stealing of solar streetlights.
He also called on the ministry and other security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and prosecute them.
Supporting the motion, the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Clinton Amadi (Owerri Municipal) said the vandalism was a calculated attempt to destroy the state capital.
He urged the governor to put measures in place to easily track down the perpetrators and prosecute them.
Also supporting, Dr Ikenna Ihezuo (Orlu), suggested that lights destroyed in road accidents should be paid for by the erring drivers.
Also contributing, the Isu representative, Mr Emeka Ozurumba called for the sensitisation of the public through the Ministry of Information and the state Orientation Agency on the need to protect public utilities.
Following other contributions in favour of the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Amarachi Iwuanyanwu (Nwangele) ruled in favour of the prayers sought.
Iwuanyanwu also directed the Clerk, Mrs Chinelo Emeghara to convey the resolutions to the relevant ministries.
