South East first to establish joint security outfit, says Govs Forum
South East governors on Sunday confirmed that the zone was the first form a joint security in the country.
Rising from a meeting which lasted close to 6 hours on Sunday in Enugu, the governors said they formed the South East Joint Security on July 28, 2019 and inaugurated the committee on August 31, 2019.
Speaking through the chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Dave Umahi, the governors said it was necessary to make the clarification because of the persistent calls from some quarters for the formation of a joint security outfit in the zone.
He said the forum on Sunday took briefing from the chairman of the joint security committee and were satisfied with all the arrangement that will lead to the South East State Houses of Assembly to enact a law to back up the security programme with a name to the outfit.
“Forum had written the Federal Government in this respect and at an appropriate time we shall be inviting the Federal Government to note the details of our joint security programme.
“We wish to assure our people that we have our state vigilante and the Forest Guards in all the South East states, who work with security agencies daily in our various communities for protection of lives and property,” Umahi stated.
The governors assured the people that “the protection of their lives and property is paramount to us and we are committed to just doing that.”
The governors commended President Muhammadu Buhari on the various ongoing projects in the zone.
These include the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu; the second Niger Bridge and the Enugu/Port Harcourt highway.
On the airport, the governors said: “Forum noted the quality and speedy progress of work by the contractor, PW Nigeria Ltd. Forum is very satisfied with the progress so far made and assurances of integrated safety and landing facilities, fencing and drainages incorporated in this project.
“Forum also commended the Enugu State governor for making more land available and his commitment in the overall success of the project.”
On the second Niger Bridge, the forum said it took brief from Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, who was represented by his deputy, Nkem Okeke, on the progress of work.
“A full view of ongoing work was shown to the South East governors Forum and stakeholders commended Mr. President, the minister of works, the chief of staff to Mr. President and the managing director of National Social Insurance Authority (NSIA) for making this project a reality.
READ ALSO: When the regions were autonomous and free
“With the level of funding by Mr. President, we are confident that this project shall be completed in his tenure, “Umahi noted.
Governors who attended the meeting in Enugu included the host Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State and Chairman of the Forum, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke.
