Imo Government Approves Payroll for Local Vigilante Operatives, PGs, Women, Youths Leaders Included In Collective Security Efforts..

 *Imo Government Approves Payroll for Local Vigilante Operatives – PGs, Women, Youth Leaders Included in Collective Security Efforts*

By Fredrick Njoku

His Royal Majesty Eze Dr E C Okeke, (OFR) Eze Imo 

The Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, has approved the inclusion of local vigilante operatives across Imo communities on the state’s payroll, as part of a strategic move to enhance grassroots security. This initiative is embedded in the state’s broader community policing framework, anchored under the Imo Traditional Institution.

As part of the initiative, traditional rulers, in active collaboration with their President-Generals (PGs), are to submit a list of 15 individuals per autonomous community to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. through the Chairmen of their LGA, upon documentation, these lists will be transferred to the Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs for final processing and payroll inclusion.

Representing Governor Uzodimma at a state-wide stakeholders' briefing held at the expanded auditorium of Obi Ndieze, Mbari, Owerri on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, was the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Chief Cosmas Iwu. The event brought together traditional rulers, PGs, women leaders, and youth leaders from various communities across the state.

Chief Iwu conveyed the governor’s regrets for his absence due to pressing national assignments, especially in his capacity as Chairman of the Progressive Governors' Forum. He reiterated the governor’s commitment to community security through a two-pronged approach: Opening of official accounts for community vigilante operations, jointly managed by key community figures. Submission of 15 vetted names from each autonomous community for formal inclusion on the payroll. Monthly stipends for PGs, women leaders, and youth leaders to support their roles in local security coordination. Each community account will be co-signed by the traditional ruler, president-general, women leader, and youth leader to ensure transparency and accountability.

Chief Iwu further emphasized that N2 million will be allocated per community for opening these accounts, and that the names must be submitted through Ward Councillors to the LGA Chairmen, who will forward them for final approval by the relevant ministries.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Chief (Mrs) Rubby Emele, lauded the governor’s inclusive approach, highlighting that traditional rulers, women, and youth leaders are now recognized as critical partners in governance and security. She called for swift implementation to ensure smooth operations and immediate impact in the communities.

His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) E. C. Okeke, CFR, Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and the South East Traditional Rulers Council who earlier had prayed during the opening prayer, expressed gratitude to the governor for the initiative. While performing the traditional kola nut breaking and blessing called for unity and swift action against insecurity. He urged traditional rulers to take responsibility and lead their communities with courage.

While calling on all Imolites, including skeptics of the administration, to support the initiative for the sake of peace and development. "We can no longer allow criminals to disrupt our farmlands, families, and livelihoods," he stated. "The time for action is now."

The Royal Father prayed for continued success for the Uzodimma administration and called on all community stakeholders to embrace the programme as a pathway to lasting peace and security. The dignitaries in attendance are; the former speaker of IMHA, Hon Paul Emeziem, the House Committee Chairman on Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Uba James Esile, Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Rubby Emele, Commissioner for local government Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Jerry Egemba, Hon. Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Hon. Osakwe Modestus, Commissioner for Homeland security and Vigilante Affairs, Prof. Benard Thompson O. Ikegwuoha, Hon. Commissioner for Primary and Secondary education, Hon. (Sir.) Chief Kenneth Okafor, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Ezechinyere Anselem Anyanwu, Commissioner for Budget, Barr. Ejikeme Major Ememike, Hon. Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Willie Okolieogwo, SA on local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Chairman Orlu LGA, Hon. Pst. Chris Mbarie and his Ngor Okpalla LGA, among other distinguished participants.