ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- As the South-East Governors prepare to convene their “Security and Economic Summit” scheduled for 28 September, 2023, in Owerri, Imo State, skepticism surrounds the event’s potential to address the region’s pressing issues.
International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, a research and investigative organization, has cast doubt on the summit’s efficacy, pointing to a history of similar initiatives that yielded little or no tangible results.
According to the group, the choice of Owerri as the summit’s host city is also being questioned for its moral implications.
It argued that past efforts, such as the “Ebubeagu Security Arrangement” launched in 2021, failed to provide adequate security for the South-East and instead seemed more accommodating to the region’s adversaries.
This was contained in a statement made available to voiceofnaija.ng on Wednesday by Emeka Umeagbalasi, Board Chairman, International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law.
Intersociety’s assessment is rooted in multiple reports, including a 33-page document titled “Imo Mass Atrocities” and a 15-page report titled “Who Is Killing Who Outside The Law In Igbo Land,” both published earlier in 2023. These reports highlight the grim reality of insecurity and unsafe conditions in the South-East, particularly in Imo State.
The South-East region finds itself on the brink of what can be described as a “Hobbesian State of Nature,” characterized by grave insecurity and a lack of accountable governance. The region’s residents face significant challenges, including threats from armed groups and a dearth of development initiatives.
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One major criticism directed at the South-East Governors is the absence of collective regional development plans.
It said that vital projects, such as a South-East Mega Expressway and improved road networks, remain elusive, despite the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades.
“The Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen are said to have better knowledge of the region’s shortest routes than the governors themselves.
“Innovative and visionary projects that could significantly improve the quality of life for South-East residents have been neglected. Instead, the Governors are accused of wasting public funds on non-essential expenses.
“The South-East Governors are also faulted for their handling of security matters. Critics claim that their old-fashioned approaches have exacerbated security challenges in the region.
“The Governors’ reluctance to condemn the actions of armed groups, particularly the jihadist Fulani Herdsmen, has raised suspicions about their complicity in the ongoing violence“, the statement said.
Intersociety therefore, advocates for a shift from a “gun-culture” security paradigm to a focus on “human security” and its seven key dimensions, which encompass various aspects of well-being and safety for citizens.
As the South-East Governors’ summit approaches, the region’s residents and observers are watching closely, hoping for meaningful solutions to the security and economic challenges that have plagued the region for too long.