Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
Governors of the South East geopolitical zone have raised the alarm over a series of kidnappings and indiscriminate killings in the zone, pleading with the Federal Government to assist them in maintaining security in the area as elections approach.
The governors of the South East raised the alert during a closed-door meeting at Government House in Enugu on Sunday.
The meeting was attended by Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (host), Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and Ebonyi State Governor/Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Engr. David Umahi, while the governors of Anambra and Imo states, Prof. Charles Soludo and Senator Hope Uzodinma, were represented by their deputies, Dr. Ony
The governors agreed to establish a 24-hour combined patrol on all important roadways in the South East, particularly during the holiday season.
In a statement, Gov. Umahi stated that the “South East governors lamented the condition of insecurity in the region,” adding that economic activity in the region has ceased “while kidnapping and wanton killing have become the norm of the day.”
Concerning floods, the South East governors congratulated the states and the Federal Government for their efforts to alleviate the sufferings of victims of the country’s recent floods and expressed hope for a long-term solution.
The South East governors also agreed to give monies to help flood victims in the zone’s five states, and went on to “pleading with the Federal Government to please commence action in the dredging of rivers in the South East, to prevent the damage of houses, farmlands, and properties.”
“We appeal that the Federal Government come to the rescue of the victims in terms of internally displaced persons rehabilitation.”
Gov. Umahi refuted the accusation that the South East governors founded the Eastern Security Network (ESN), stating that the “South East Governors Forum jointly formed Ebubeagu and Forest Guards, not ESN.” As a result, it is incorrect for anyone to suggest that the South East governors founded ESN.”
Concerning Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the governors restated their trust in a political solution and stated that they are closely monitoring developments in Kanu’s case in light of court orders.
“However, we feel that a political solution is still conceivable in this situation,” the governors of the South East remarked.
The Forum took use of the opportunity to congratulate and welcome Prof. Soludo to its ranks, as well as to express apologies from the Anambra State Governor and his Imo State counterpart, Senator Uzodinma, who were unable to attend due to other pressing government commitments.
