Jacob Ogodo, Abakaliki
The Chairman, South East Governors Forum and Governor. Ebonyi state, Chief David Umahi has stated the prepardness of the region to unveil the regional security vehicles and uniform.
Briefing journalists after a special security Council meeting in Abakaliki, Chief Umahi noted that no name has been chosen for the regional security outfit but the Governors of the zone would meet to decide a name for the outfit.
Umahi who expressed optimism that the South East zone remained the most peaceful zone in the country lamented that the pockets of security challenge in his state was politically motivated.
He however assured that those causing security breaches in the State no matter their political leanings would be arrested and prosecuted according to the law of the land.
“Whether PDP, APC, APGA anybody that is causing problem must be arrested and dealt with.”
He maintained that the Fulani herdsmen and Ebonyi People have been living in peace for a long time and so, any act intended to cause disaffection between both parties was aimed at discrediting him and the people of Ebonyi State.
“There is growing concern of security in the State and it had a lot of political undertone. The idea is to discredit the Governor of the State. If not properly handled will lead to attack on our brothers and sisters. We have been living peacefully with the Fulani herdsmen in the State.
“We have an agreement with the Fulani herdsmen for peaceful coexistence. The issue of IPOB and Fulani herdsmen are very sensitive. It will ignite crisis for the whole of this country if not properly handled.
“We have over 11 million Igbo in the North and also 3 million in the West. This issue of igniting crisis against the Fulani should be condemned by all. It will consume everybody. The issue of security is very serious.
“There is orchestrated plan to portray Ebonyi and the Governor in a negative light. I don’t know why search light is turned on me. What is going on is beyond politics and capable of causing national crisis.
“We had Meeting with founding fathers of the State; Dr. Sam Egwu, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim. There should be cease-fire. Government officials should not attack dignitaries in the State. I have accepted the decision of the founding fathers.
“Let’s us face our party and Governance. South East Governors had had meeting on security. We are going to unveil uniform and vehicles perculiar with South East. For adequate protection of lives and properties.
“I congratulate the new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. They should bring back aggrieved persons who were affected in the course of the election.”