By Marcus Ikechukwu
The Governors of the Southeast region, on Sunday, rose from their closed-door meeting, expressing worries over the spate of insecurity still bedevilling the region.
They lamented the rising case of kidnappings and mindless killings in the region.
They also decried its toll on economic activities in the region.
Addressing Journalists at the end of the closed-door meeting, the Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, David Umahi, said, “Our economic activities have come to a halt while kidnapping and wanton killing have become the order of the day.
He urged Federal Government to come to their aid in providing security in the zone bearing in mind that elections are around the corner.
Umahi disclosed that the Governors agreed to set up a 24-hour Joint Patrol on all major highways within the South East, especially during the Christmas season.
“South East Governors Forum jointly formed Ebubeagu and Forest Guards, not ESN. So, it is not correct for any person to allude to the fact that South East Governors created ESN,” he said
He commended the states and the Federal Government on efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the victims of the recent flood menace in the Country.
Umahi said, “We hope, however, that a long-term solution is desirable. Southeast Governors have decided to put funds together to further assist the victims of flooding in our five States in the South East.
“We also plead with the Federal Government to please initiate action in the dredging of rivers in the Southeast, to ameliorate the destruction of houses, farmlands and properties.”
“We request the Federal Government to come to the aid of the victims in terms of rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons,” he said
On the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) court ruling, the South East Governors said they are watching with keen interest “the developments concerning the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu viz-a-viz the Court rulings.
“However, we believe that a political solution is still possible in this circumstance”.
The Governors Forum also congratulated and welcomed the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, who was represented by His Deputy, Onyekachukwu G. Ibezim.
