The Imo Government on Monday distanced itself from an ultimatum to herdsmen in the state to leave within 24 hours.
The ultimatum came from a group called Coalition of South East Youth Leaders.
In a press statement issued in Owerri, by the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Emeka Ihedioha, Mr. Chibuike Onyeukwu, he said the government was “embarrassed by the ultimatum.”
Onyeukwu stated that the group, lacked the authority to speak for the state and urged members of the public as well as the herdsmen in the state to discountenance it.
The statement read in part: “The attention of the Government of Imo has been drawn to a report on some news media, credited to a group, which identified itself as Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, giving herdsmen in the state 24 hours to quit.
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“The group, led by one Goodluck Ibem, relied on an alarm allegedly raised by the management of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, accusing herdsmen of destroying their farm lands and crops, among other concerns.
“The government of Imo, under the leadership of Ihedioha, hereby dissociates itself and entire good people of the state from the said ultimatum.
“Imo government is embarrassed by the development and has taken steps to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, citizens of Imo are very peaceful, hospitable and have always enjoyed cordial relationship with neighbours and strangers in the state.
“Imolites are at peace with residents and have no axe to grind with anyone living or doing business in the state, as long as such transactions do not in any way violate the laws of the land or constitute public nuisance.”
