Governors of the South East’s five states have expressed their appreciation for the security agencies’ endeavors in restoring tranquility to the region. They emphasized that the combined efforts of these agencies with the regional governments and populace have led to a gradual return to normalcy.
This announcement was made on Thursday, August 10, through a statement read by Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, following their gathering at the Enugu State Government House.
In attendance were Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi. The forum reaffirmed its commitment to fostering joint socio-economic and security collaboration through an upcoming summit, to be announced at a later date.
The forum also underlined that the individuals behind the security issues and their supporters within the region are merely criminals, deserving no recognition as legitimate advocates. They should, instead, be dealt with according to legal provisions.
Furthermore, in response to inquiries from journalists, Uzodimma distanced the region’s unrest from Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He clarified that Kanu had disavowed those utilizing his name for actions like enforcing sit-at-home orders and engaging in criminal activities. Uzodimma pledged that the governors would continue to exert their utmost efforts to maintain the present growth of peace and security in the South East.
The communique in part reads:
“The Forum firmly resolved to fight insecurity decisively in the region individually and collectively, in partnership with the Federal Government and other Stakeholders. We commend the security agencies for their cooperation thus far and encourage them not to relent.
We wish to state categorically that the perpetrators of the insecurity in our region and their sponsors are criminals and should not be seen as legitimate agitators. Therefore, upon arrest, they should be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.
The Forum resolved to hold the security and economic summit on a date to be announced soon”.
