The founder and proprietor of Living Christ Mission, Daddy Hezekiah, has called on the Federal Government to make the protection of lives and property its top priority, warning that worsening insecurity is undermining national development.
The renowned cleric made the appeal on Monday while interacting with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) at his country home in Umudi, Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to him, the persistent wave of banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks across the country continues to inflict significant damage on the nation’s economy and social fabric.
“Insecurity is taking a heavy toll on national development. It is making the nation bleed because the Federal Government is misplacing priorities in its leadership approach,” he said.
He added, “If the government is sincere about ending banditry, kidnapping, and killings, it knows exactly what to do.”
The Chancellor of Daddy Hezekiah University argued that modern technology provides effective tools for combating crime and enhancing security, stressing that criminal activities can be significantly curtailed through the deployment of surveillance systems, trackers, and drones.
“Stopping criminal activities is not about lip service; it requires a strategic approach. What we need is courage, intelligence, and patriotism to do the needful,” he stated.
Daddy Hezekiah also commended Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for the reconstruction and tarring of the Nkwerre–Umudi Expressway, describing the project as a major intervention that has improved transportation and stimulated economic activities within the area.
He further appealed to Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, to reconsider the demolition of shops and business premises in Onitsha and surrounding communities, warning that such actions could worsen poverty and economic hardship among affected residents.
“Government policies should prioritise the welfare and economic well-being of citizens while pursuing urban renewal and development objectives,” he said.
The cleric also urged security personnel to focus on securing Nigeria’s borders against the infiltration of criminal elements rather than engaging in extortion at checkpoints.
According to him, effective border security would go a long way in addressing many of the security challenges confronting the country.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Imo State Council, Ifeanyi Nwanguma, praised Daddy Hezekiah for his continued support for journalism and media development in the state and across the country.
Nwanguma called on other well-meaning Nigerians to support the media in its agenda-setting and nation-building responsibilities.
“We call on well-meaning individuals to support the development of journalism in their agenda-setting roles,” he said.
