Southeast Govs, Leaders Say Separatists Groups Not Speaking For Igbo Nation

Posted by Ignatius Okpara African News, Featured, Latest Headlines, News, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Sunday, June 20th, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Despite Agitations for secession by some pro-biafran groups, Governors of the Southeast geo-political zone and stakeholders of the zone have reaffirmed the commitment of the region to one united Nigeria, saying the agitators are not speaking for the Igbo race.

The Igbo leaders, however, condemned in strong terms activities of the separatists groups in the South East zone.

They emphasised that they strongly believe in one united Nigeria anchored on justice, fairness, love and respect for one another.

Addressing newsmen in Enugu at the end of their meeting convened by Chairman of the Southeast Governor’s Forum and governor of Ebobyi State, Chief Dave Nweze Umahi, the Igbo leaders pleaded with leaders of other zones to note the threats to people of other zones and protect them.

Umahi hinted that the strategic meeting also condemned killings of security operatives and civilians in the zone and other zones and urged security people to discharge their responsibilities within the rules of engagement.

According to Umahi, the meeting requested National Assembly members from the Southeast to support the creation of state police in the ongoing constitutional amendment.

He said “We Igbos do reaffirm our commitment to a united Nigeria under a platform of justice, equality fairness love and respect for one another

“We fairly promise to protect everyone either from other region or another regions living in our places

The chairman added “we plead with the leaders of other region to please note the treats to our people and protect them

“We condemn the killing of security agencies , the burning of some strategic infrastructures and killing of civilians in south east and even in other regions

He stated further that, “We request our security agencies to please discharge their duties within the rules of engagement of the law

“We condemned in totality the activities of private secessionist group in southeast, we firmly proposed that we do not support them, they do not speak for southeast the impression that Southeast leaders are silent over some of our youths agitation for succession are not correct.

The meeting was attended by Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, former Secretary to the government of the federation, Pius Anyim, Ex- governor of Ebonyi State, Sam Egwu, religious and traditional rulers, among others.