South East Governors Forum Raises Alarm Over Insecurity In Region

Posted by Ignatius Okpara Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Sunday, October 30th, 2022

…. Distances Self From ESN

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The South East Governors Forum has raised alarm over insecurity in the region, Calling on the Federal Government to come to their aid, as well as provide adequate security ahead of the 2023 general elections.

They also agreed on a 24-hour joint patrol in zone, even as they deny link with Eastern Security Network, ESN, the militia wing of the proscribed Indigenous people of Biafra IPOB.

The governors raised the alarm while briefing journalists after a closed-door meeting at the Government House, Enugu, on Sunday.

Most of the South East states, particularly Enugu in recent times, have been under siege, as kidnapping of travellers in the state is almost becoming order of the day.

The meeting was attended by Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (host), Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State 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. Onyekachukwu Ibezim and Prof. Placid Njoku, respectively.

The governors agreed to set up a 24-hour joint patrol in all major highways within the South East, especially during the Christmas season.

Speaking, Umahi disclosed that the “South East governors decried the state of insecurity in the region”, adding that economic activities in the zone have come to a halt “while kidnapping and wanton killing have become the order of the day.”

On the issue of floods, the forum commended the states and the Federal Government on efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the victims of the recent flood menace in the country and expressed hope that a long term solution is desirable.

They equally agreed to jointly contribute funds to further assist the victims of flooding in the five states of the zone and went further to “plead with the Federal Government to please initiate action in the dredging of rivers in the South East, to check 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.”

On the purported statement that it was the South East governors that formed Eastern Security Network (ESN), Gov. Umahi denied the allegation, stating that “South East Governors Forum jointly formed Ebubeagu and Forest Guards not ESN.

“So, it is not correct for any person to allude to the fact that South East governors created ESN.”

Commenting on the issue of the detained leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the governors, who reiterated their belief in a political solution, said that they are watching with keen interest the developments with respect to Kanu’s case viz-a-viz the court rulings.

“However, we believe that a political solution is still possible in this circumstance,” the South East governors said.

The Forum used the opportunity to congratulate and welcome Prof. Soludo to its fold and announced apologies from the Anambra State Governor and his Imo State counterpart, Senator Uzodinma, who were absent at the meeting because of other pressing official engagements.