This clarion stance emerged after an extensive closed-door session that lasted over two hours at the Government House in Enugu on Thursday. Key attendees included Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, Alex Otti of Abia State, and the host governor, Peter Mbah of Enugu State.
In a united front, governors representing the five South-eastern states have firmly defended the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), asserting that those perpetuating insecurity within the region are criminal elements and not genuine Biafra agitators.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Charles Soludo, his Anambra State counterpart, were also present, reaffirming the collective commitment of South-eastern leadership.
In the wake of escalating security concerns in the Igbo-speaking territories of the South-east, characterized by recurrent assaults perpetrated by armed individuals, the Nigerian government had attributed these incidents to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). However, IPOB has consistently disclaimed any involvement in these attacks.
Addressing the media on behalf of the governors, Mr Uzodinma, Chairperson of the South-east Governors Forum, conveyed the group’s unequivocal resolve to confront insecurity head-on within the region. He underscored that this collective effort, combined with individual initiatives, aims to combat insecurity in tandem with federal authorities and other pertinent stakeholders.
Mr. Uzodinma affirmed, “The individuals responsible for instigating insecurity and those who sponsor them are criminals and must not be misconstrued as legitimate (Biafra) advocates. Therefore, upon apprehension, these perpetrators must face due legal processes.”
In a concerted move towards addressing the prevailing challenges, the governors unveiled plans to convene a security and economic summit, the date for which will be communicated in due course.
The statesmen also extended appreciation to the security agencies for their collaborative contributions in the ongoing battle against insecurity, urging them to persist in their efforts during this critical period.
As the South-east governors forge a united front against the surge in insecurity, their unequivocal stance serves to distinguish between criminal elements and Biafra agitators, bolstering a sense of clarity and determination to safeguard the region’s well-being.
