S’East govs move to end IPOB’s sit-at-home order
*Condemn spate of killings in region
*Say Ebube Agu, regional security outfit to take root before end of 2021
South East governors rose from a meeting in Enugu on Tuesday and declared that they would do everything to end the “sit-at-home’’ order of proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
The declaration is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting with stakeholders and made available to newsmen.
The meeting was convened by the Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi and hosted by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.
Reading the communiqué, Gov Umahi said the governors were worried by the spate of insecurity in the region and condemned the continued “sit-at-home’’ order.
Gov Umahi, also Chairman of South East Governors Forum, said the governors, South East leaders and security chiefs condemned the spate of killings in the region.
He assured that the regional security outfit put together by states in the region codenamed “Ebubeagu’’, would be launched to give it teeth and laws passed in all the states to that effect before end of 2021.
“The meeting agreed that the South-East Ebube Agu security outfit be launched in all the southeast states and laws passed in various southeast states before the end of 2021,” the communique read.
The security outfit was established in April as part of plans to checkmate the rising unrest in the region, stemming from an increase in criminal activities.
“The governors and leaders of the South East condemn killings in the region and have agreed to join hands with security agencies to stop the trend.
“We as well condemn the “sit-at-home’’ order by IPOB issued mostly by our people in the diaspora who do not feel the pains.
“The meeting resolved that governors and people of the South East will do everything within the law to ensure that there is no further sit-at-home and people are allowed to move about freely,’’ Umahi said.
The governor said the meeting received a report from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation in the region, on various matters affecting the South East, especially on security and marginalisation.
He stressed that the governors would study the report for immediate implementation and engagement with the Federal Government for amicable settlement of issues agitating the minds of the people, especially the youths.
“The meeting agreed to support security agencies to restore peace in the South East as well as to support the November 6 governorship election in Anambra to ensure a peaceful process.
“We commend all groups and the clergy for their efforts at interfacing with our youths,’’ he stressed.
The meeting also mandated clergymen, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ohanaeze and traditional rulers to continue to dialogue with youths in the region.
