Imo Gov Hope Uzodinma meets Buhari over security issues hours after Ohakim attack

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma met President Muhammadu Buhari behind closed doors at the presidential villa on Tuesday, where the two men deliberated on critical infrastructure that would enhance security in the state.

The visit comes just hours after a former South Eastern state governor, Ikedi Ohakim, escaped attacks by gunmen in Mbano.

The attack resulted in the death of four policemen who were in the ex-governor's convoy.

Tuesday's meeting gave Uzodinma an opportunity to secure presidential approval for some security surveillance equipment for the state.

The visit was also to thank the president for the support of the presidency since Uzodinma took office, following the verdict of the Supreme Court.

His words: "I have appealed to the President for additional support, specifically to support us in some technology deployments, we have planned to be able to perform an advanced type of security screening in the Southeast. And he also gave his approval to this.

"Before long, we will have modern surveillance equipment and technologies that will help us manage security to fight crime with little or no collateral damage to the environment."

Commenting on the support enjoyed by the federal government, he said, "I have come on behalf of my people, to also thank Mr. President for the various supports he has given us during this time of security challenges and the support he also gave to us regarding the various approvals.

"The approval to convert the Federal Medical Center at Owerri into a University Teaching Hospital for the Federal University of Technology, the approval which converted the Alvan Ikoku College of Education into a Federal College of Education. Only two weeks ago, the Igbo who returned from Lagos and outside the South East benefited from the second Niger bridge, which is to be commended.”