Imo Homeland Security Commissioner—Ugorji lays out security agenda for the state

“We organize, formalize and standardize Vigilante groups in all the Autonomous Communities in Imo State. In the pursuit of peace, whatever works and does not compromise the sovereignty of the state and does not subvert law and order, should be explored.” ~ Dr. Ugorji O. Ugorji

The Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Public Enlightenment, Prince Eze Ugochukwu was in a conversation with the Imo State Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, Dr. Ugorji O Ugorji.

Below are the excerpts of their conversation:

Sir, may we get to know you and a little of your background?

I am Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji. I am the first child of HRH Eze Stephen Nwabueze Ugorji, and Ugoeze Major (rtd) Anastasia Ngozi Ugorji. I hail from Lorji Nwekeukwu Autonomous Community in Aboh Mbaise LGA.

I hold a Doctorate degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and a Master’s degree in Homeland Security from George Washington University, Washington, DC. I also have a second Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Resources Management from The College of New Jersey, and two Bachelor’s degrees (in Biology, and Psychology) also from The College of New Jersey.

I am an alumnus of Ekulu Primary School, Enugu, and an alumnus of Holy Ghost College, Owerri. I also attended Ife Secondary School, Ezinihitte , Mbaise.

I am a writer, poet, publisher, scholar, broadcaster, and public administrator. I am married to my love, Uche Ugorji, with six children (5 boys and one girl).

There is duality in the description of your job namely Homeland security and Vigilante Affairs. What do both entail?

The Vigilante part speaks to the Ministry’s responsibility to organize, formalize and standardize Vigilante groups in all the Autonomous Communities in Imo State.

The Homeland Security aspect is a reflection of Governor Uzodimma’s state-of-art vision for security and safety in Imo State. It speaks to a whole-of-government approach to security, combining both the hard power and the soft power of the state.

What are the major types of insecurity in Imo State and what is your Ministry doing to tackle them?

The major types of insecurity are (1) sponsored political violence, (2) organized and lone-wolf criminal enterprises, (3) group conflicts, as exemplified by land/communal disputes, as well as farmers and herders’ clashes, (4) security challenges caused by the sell and use of illegal hard drugs, (5) proliferation of small firearms, (6) apparent anti-establishment violence, and (7) occasional violence from the separatist movement in the region.

While the Federal security agencies in the state focus on hard power responses to the security challenges, my Ministry is mainly focused on soft power approaches. This approach includes programmes in peace building, protection of critical infrastructure, alternative narrative initiatives, ideation to mitigate the separatist sentiments, cyber security to guard against cybercrimes, etc.

Imo State sits at the centre of the South East States and also a transit into the South South States. With noticeable cross-border criminal activities, are there any forms of cooperation with other states to combat crimes and share intelligence?

Yes. Governor Hope Uzodimma has directed that I interface with my counterpart officials in the region. The goal is to establish networks, synergy and interoperability in security measures with our bordering states, and with the Federal Government agencies.

You will see that collaboration in the upcoming First Imo Homeland Security International Conference scheduled for August 11 and 12, 2022 in Owerri. The Chief of Staff of President Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari CFR will headline the conference as Keynote Speaker, and several security experts from the South East and around the country will participate.

There is a place for technology in law enforcement in today’s digital world. Is your Ministry applying technology in crime prevention and detection?

Our Action Plan in the Ministry includes the use of state-of-art security equipment and surveillance systems. We also plan to establish a Central information and data gathering joint for 24-hour monitoring operations.

Vigilante groups are mostly community based. Are you working with traditional rulers and town union presidents to activate community based security watchdogs?

Yes. This is a principal mandate of the Ministry. I have embarked on a sensitization and orientation visit of the 27 local governments. We have done 5 LGAs so far, with 22 to go.

Some people have suggested negotiations with armed non-state actors. Are there any merits in such engagements?

In the pursuit of peace, whatever works and does not compromise the sovereignty of the state and does not subvert law and order, should be explored. Such a move as contemplated in your last question, however, is above my pay grade.

Can you say that the Imo State Government is bringing down crime levels in the state?

I can say yes without equivocation. Incidents of violence and criminal conduct have subsided significantly. This has occurred as a result of Governor Uzodimma’s consultation with stakeholders, especially traditional rulers and President Generals, as well as the efforts of the Police, the DSS, the Army, and the Civil Defense – all of which Governor Uzodimma have supported.

What efforts are you making to stop high-handedness, indiscipline, over-zealousness and inappropriate law enforcement which harm the public’s trust in law enforcement? Any institutional training to protect innocent citizens?

I established a Department of Legal Affairs in the Ministry, with the permission of the Honourable Attorney General of the state, Chief C.O.C Akaolisa. Part of the function of that department is the orientation of security operatives to understand and respect the human rights and civil liberties of the citizens they serve. Governor Uzodimma’s Homeland security vision for the state is “a state of shared prosperity in a secure and safe homeland, with respect for human rights and civil liberties, and with value for the lives and wellbeing of all citizens, residents, and visitors.”

Finally, what is your message to Imo people?

The security and safety of the citizens, residents and visitors in Imo State is of the highest priority for Governor Hope Uzodimma. Our duty in the ministry is to operationalize the Governor’s priorities in security and peace building. To this, I am totally committed, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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