“I Will Never Negotiate With Hoodlums” – Umo Eno Tells Parents To Caution Children

Following observed unruly behaviours among some youths in the State, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has urged parents to caution their children and wards, especially those of youthful age to desist from igniting or fueling tension in any part of the State.

The Governor made the appeal at the May edition of Government House monthly prayer service held at the Latter House Chapel, Governor’s Lodge.

He noted that anyone who carries a gun, axe, or any other weapon to attack security personnel are not youths but hoodlums and will be treated accordingly.

He stated that the State is prepared to build the youths, but advised that youths must first show the preparedness and willingness to be “built” for effective results.

He disclosed that he will never negotiate with hoodlums, but would support security agencies with necessary tools to enhance effective operation and maintain the peace in the State.

“The first thing I would like to say is to urge you to warn our youths to be of good behaviour. Everywhere I go, I hear build the youths, and I keep saying to them, may God help the youths to build themselves because you can’t continue building and building while the people you are building are tearing themselves apart.

“When you call people youths, and they confront security agencies using axes, machetes and all manner of dangerous weapons, they are not youths but criminals, and we will treat them like criminals.

“The security report I have is that some of us believe that if they push those youths out, they will come to me and say this is what we need to calm them down. I will not buy that, I will not bow to it. We know those that are involved. I will not give money to appease anybody not to make trouble.

“We are gathering evidence, we know what is happening. I will not negotiate. If they had been negotiations with non state actors before, I will not do it. I would rather bring more Police and more security agencies; so tell them they have no jobs again. Please beg them so that when we start dealing with them, some people will not come and beg, and remind me that I am a Pastor.