Disturbed by the continued destruction and vandalization of properties of public schools, and conversion of these schools to centres of immorality by criminal elements and vandals, the Imo State House of Assembly has passed a Resolution urging the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, to mandate the Commissioner of Education to liaise with relevant agencies to provide adequate security personnel in schools in the State.

This was the outcome of a Motion moved during Plenary on Thursday 24/10/2024 by the Member Representing Owerri Municipal State Constituency, Rt Hon Clinton Amadi.

Moving the Motion, Rt Hon Clinton Amadi, bemoaned the activities of criminal elements and vandals in both public primary and secondary schools in the State. He explained that these criminal elements and vandals invade school premises during and after academic periods, and turn the school premises into dangerous zones and centres of immorality. Sounding very bitter and disappointed over the lack of security personnel in public schools, Rt Hon Amadi stated that these criminal elements and vandals have made the school environment in the State deplorable by defecating around the school premises, smoking Indian hemp and other hard drugs and turning classrooms, teachers and headmaster’s office to chalets at night and littering the premises with all forms of illegal items, such as used condoms, remnants of Indian hemp and tobacco, and further desecrating the school premises by pulling out and stealing iron shelves, drawers, furnitures, gates, doors, windows and breaking students school chairs.

In his words, the only voice from Owerri Municipal Constituency said, *”These criminal elements come into the school premises to openly defecate and smoke Indian hemp and other hard drugs in nearby bushes and farmlands, even while teachings are going on. They threaten the lives of teachers and students who try to challenge their activities, thereby putting everyone in danger. Lack of security personnel in public schools have made this anomaly to fester. We need to put a stop this because If it is allowed to continue, the future of our children will be uncertain”.*

Calling on his Honourable Colleagues to lend their support, Rt Hon Clinton Amadi, who is the Deputy Minority leader and House Committee Chairman on Digital Economy and E-Government, stated that the Imo State Government made efforts to provide adequate classrooms, teaching facilities and conducive environment for the students for effective teaching and learning in the State, but the absence of security personnel in the schools jeopardized the ambience the Government put in place, thereby creating the opportunity for criminal elements and vandals to exploit.

The Motion which was seconded by Hon Sam Osuji, Member Representing Isiala Mbano State Constituency, was co-sponsored by the following lawmakers :

1. Rt Hon Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu.

2. Hon Princewill Amuchie.

3. Hon Bernard Ozoemelam.

4. Hon Kingsley Ozurumba.

5. Hon Sam Osuji.

6. Hon Innocent Ikpamezie.

7. Hon Kelechi Ofurum.

8. Hon Johnleoba Iheoha.

9. Hon Obinna Egu.

10. Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi.

11. Hon Chigozie Nwaneri.

12. Hon Okechukwu Udeze.

Supporting the Motion, the following Honourable Members made satisfying contributions;

1. Hon Johnleoba Iheoha (Ikeduru).

2. Hon Sam Osuji (Isiala Mbano).

3. Hon James Uba Esile (Onuimo).

In their respective submissions, they described as disheartening and unfortunate the ugly incidents being perpetuated by criminal elements and vandals in schools. While describing primary and secondary schools as foundation for the future of students, they advised that these schools should be fenced and security personnel provided, since it is the duty of government to protect lives and properties. They also called on parents to look into the activities of of their children and ensure they turn out to become good Ambassadors of their families, communities, local government areas and the state.

Satisfied with contributions from Honourable Members, the Speaker, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe, put it to vote and it was unanimously adopted. Thereafter, he Ruled as follows :

* Be It Resolved By This Honourable House That The Governor Of Imo State Mandates The Commissioner Of Education In Charge Of Primary And Secondary Schools To Liaise With All The Relevant Agencies To Provide Adequate Security Personnel In Our Primary And Secondary Schools During and After School Period To Control The Activities Of These Criminals And Vandals.

The Clerk was directed to communicate the Resolution of the House to His Excellency the Governor.

*Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha*
24/10/2024