By John Ikani
The south-east governors’ forum has kicked against the activities of violent secessionist group in the region, saying the Igbos are committed to a united Nigeria.
They distanced themselves from the agitations of such groups and frowned on the violence that ensued which led to the loss of lives and destruction of properties.
The governors made thier position known in a communique released on Saturday, June 19, 2021, after a meeting in Enugu state.
In recent times, there have been a series of attacks on public facilities in the region.
While the police and army have accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of masterminding attacks, the group has repeatedly denied being involved.
However, in its communique on Saturday, the south-east governors forum condemned the killing of civilians, security agents and burning of strategic infrastructure in south-east and other regions.
The governors said the violent secessionists do not speak for their region.
“We condemn the killing of security agencies, burning of strategic infrastructure, and killing of civilians in south-east and other regions. We request our security agencies to please discharge their duties within the rules of engagement and the law.
“We request our national assembly from the south-east to support state police creation in the ongoing constitutional amendment.
“We condemn in totality, the activities of violent secessionist groups in south-east and elsewhere. We firmly proclaim that we do not support them, they do not speak for south-east. The impression that south-east leaders are silent over some of our youths agitators for secession is not correct.
“South-east governors, Ohaneze president, national assembly members, notable leaders had come out publicly many times in the past to speak against such agitations. In order not to mismanage the unfortunate situation, south-east leaders have set up a committee to engage such youths to stop and allow elders speak to address such fears.”
According to the statement, the governors and Ohaneze Ndigbo have been directed to liaise with indigenes from the north and other regions to assure them of their safety in south-east.
“The meeting endorsed our south-east joint security outfit, Ebube Agu, and asked them to work with security agencies and to respect the rights and privileges of all those living in south-east and our visitors,” the governors added.
Also present at the meeting were the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah; and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim, as well as religious and traditional leaders, among others.
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