ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The South-East Governors have decried the increasing insecurity in the region, saying that the economic activities have come to a halt while kidnapping and wanton killing have become the order of the day.
Present at the meeting are Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, and Ebonyi State Governor, who is also the Chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum, David Umahi.
Others are Governor of Anambra, Chukwuma Soludo and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, both of whom are being represented by their deputies, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezi and Prof. Placid Njoku, respectively.
In a Communique issued at South-East Governors Forum (SEGF) at the end of a closed door meeting on Sunday, 30 October, 2022 at the Government House, Enugu, the Governors called on the Federal Government of Nigeria for immediate intervention.
The communique read in part: “Governors decried the state of insecurity in the region. Our economic activities have come to a halt while kidnapping and wanton killing have become the order of the day.
“South East Governors call on the Federal Government to come to our aid in providing security in the Zone bearing in mind that elections are around the corner.”
Meanwhile, the Governors have agreed to set up a 24-hour Joint Patrol in all major highways within the South-East, especially during the Christmas season, as part of efforts to beef up security in the region.
They stated also that the South-East Governors Forum jointly formed Ebubeagu and Forest Guards, and disassociated itself from the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which is a security arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),
“So, it is not correct for any person to allude to fact that South-East Governors created ESN,” they advised.
Also, on the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader, the South-East Governors expressed hope that he will discharged soon.
“South East Governors are watching with keen interest, the developments with respect to the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu viz-a-viz the Court rulings.
“However, we believe that a political solution is still possible in this circumstance,” it said.
On the issue of floods, the Governors commended the state and the Federal Government of Nigeria, on their efforts to alleviating the suffering of victims of recent flood menace in the country.
“We hope, however, that long term solution is desirable. South East Governors have decided to put funds together to further assist the victims of flooding in our five States in the South-East.
“We, also plead with the Federal Government to please initiate action in the dredging of rivers in the South East, to ameliorate the destruction of houses, farmlands and properties.
“We request the Federal Government to come to the aid of the victims in terms of rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons,” the communique added.