Governors under the South East Governors Forum have resolved to collaborate to end insecurity in the region.
Members of the Southeast Governors’ Forum gathered in Enugu Government House yesterday to discuss, among others, the unending sit-at-home orders of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
The Governors of Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo and host Enugu met for the first since the inauguration of new governors into office on May 29, 2023.
The Governors reiterated their commitment to establishing common socio-economic and security cooperation in the region through an upcoming summit.
They stated that individuals involved in causing insecurity and those supporting them are criminals, not legitimate agitators, and should be treated as such according to the law.
Addressing the media, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State who serves as the chairman of the forum distanced the unrest in the region from Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, asserting that Kanu had disassociated himself from those using his name to perpetrate crimes like enforcing sit-at-home orders.
He emphasised that the governors would continue to work diligently to maintain the growing peace and security in the South East.
In a communique issued by the Governors, the governors announced their resolution to collaboratively combat insecurity, partnering with the Federal Government and other stakeholders.
The governors also expressed their appreciation for the efforts of security agencies and urged them to persist in their work.
It read, “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.”