Uzodinma Denies Installing Emir Of Imo

The Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, has denied installing an Emir of Imo as speculated in some quarters.

Reacting to a viral photo of himself welcoming a turbaned man to the Government House, the governor explained that the visitor was an imam, a native of Mbaise and a relation of ex-Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

He gave the explanation in a chat with reporters at the first plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) 2020 in Abuja on Sunday.

The governor decried the controversy generated by the alleged installation, saying it could heighten ethno-religious tension in the country.

Uzodinma said, “The visit by the Muslim community in Imo State to me was a welcomed one. The new imam is a native of Mbaise, not a northerner. He is a relation of Emeka Ihedioha. I am a governor of both Christians and Muslims.

“So, we should shun everything that will bring division in society. There are more people from the East that are also Muslims and some Muslims were born in the East and do not know any other place apart from the East. So, it is left for government to devise a means that will accommodate everybody.”