Governors of the South-East geo-political zone have raised the alarm over the spate of kidnappings and wanton killings in the zone, calling on the Federal Government to come to their aid in providing security in the area, bearing in mind that elections are around the corner.
The Governors therefore agreed to set up a 24-hour joint patrol in all major highways within the South East region, especially during the Christmas season.
The South East Governors also commented on the case of Nnamdi Kanu as it concerns the recent court ruling saying a political solution is still possible in this circumstance.
The Court of Appeal had discharged the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and dismissed the 6-count charges made against him by the Federal Government.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the Federal Government approached the Court for a stay of execution while they appealed the ruling of the appellate court.
South east governors after their meeting on Sunday in Enugu, said they’re monitoring the situation.
“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.”
In the communique issued at the end of the meeting held at Government House, Enugu, the governors also dismissed media reports that they are responsible for the creation of ESN, stressing that they only created Ebubeagu and Forest Guards.
Ebonyi state governor/Chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum, Engr. David Umahi who read the communique 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, South East Governors have agreed to set up a 24-hour Joint Patrol in all major highways within the South East, especially during the Christmas season.”
On the issue of flooding ravaging the country, including many states in the region, the Governors commended the States and the Federal Government on “efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the victims of the recent flood menace in the Country. We hope, however, that long term solution is desirable.”
Umahi disclosed that the “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 forum also “congratulated and welcomed His Excellency, the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Prof. Charles Soludo, who was represented by His Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.
The governors were however, silent on the 2023 presidential election especially, the issue of Peter Obi who’s one of the leading presidential candidates.
Also present at the meeting were; Enugu state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state and Imo state governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma who was represented by his deputy; Prof. Placid Njoku.
