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By Philip Nwosu
As political activities begin to intensify ahead of the Imo State governorship race, concerns over insecurity in the state have again come to the fore, following remarks by aspirant Obioma Success Akagburuonye, who dismissed fears of instability.
Akagburuonye, a 60-year-old philanthropist, recently declared his intention to contest the governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at a time when security remains a critical issue shaping political discourse in the state.
While speaking in Lagos after receiving the “Beacon of Hope for a Greater Imo” award from Champion Newspapers, the aspirant expressed confidence in his leadership capacity, but stirred debate with his assertion that insecurity in Imo is largely exaggerated.
“There is no insecurity in Imo State. Most problems people face are self-made,” he said, attributing incidents of violence and unrest to personal actions rather than systemic security lapses.
His position contrasts sharply with widespread concerns among residents and observers who have repeatedly raised the alarm over incidents of violence, criminality, and unrest in parts of the state in recent years. Critics argue that such a sweeping dismissal of insecurity risks undermining the urgency required to address safety challenges.
Akagburuonye further suggested that individuals who find themselves victims of violence may have been involved in activities that triggered such outcomes, a stance that may generate controversy in a state where security agencies continue to battle threats ranging from armed attacks to civil disturbances.
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Despite these concerns, the aspirant maintained that Imo remains safe, insisting that perceptions of insecurity are often misplaced.
He challenged critics to provide evidence to the contrary, reinforcing his belief that the situation is under control.
Political analysts note that security will remain a defining issue in the upcoming election, with voters likely to scrutinise candidates’ positions and proposed strategies for safeguarding life and property.
Akagburuonye, however, shifted focus to governance continuity, commending Governor Hope Uzodimma for what he described as efforts to stabilise the state and create an enabling environment for political participation. He also dismissed claims of being a political proxy, insisting that the race remains open to all aspirants.
Nonetheless, his comments on security may shape public perception of his candidacy, particularly among citizens who view safety as a top priority. Observers warn that underestimating security challenges could weaken public confidence, especially in a region where trust in leadership is closely tied to the ability to guarantee protection.
As the political season gathers momentum, the debate over insecurity—and how best to tackle it—is expected to remain central, potentially influencing both campaign narratives and voter decisions in Imo State.
