South East Govs meet in Enugu

..decry rising insecurity in the zone

By  Cosmas Chukwu

South East Governors on Sunday, met at the Government House, Enugu, and decried the state of insecurity in the region, saying that  the economic activities in  the zone  have come to a halt while kidnapping and wanton killing have become the order of the day.

The South East has been besetted with serious cases of insecurity and violence, lately.

The governors met and expressed their concern over the unsavoury situation.

This was contained in a five- point communique presented at the end of a closed door meeting held in government house, Enugu.

The communique  presented to newsmen  by  the chairman of the South East Governors forum, and governor of Ebonyi state, Dave Umahi read:

“The South East Governors Forum congratulated and welcomed His Excellency, the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Prof. Charles Soludo, who was represented by His Deputy, His Excellency, Dr. Onyekachukwu G. Ibezim.

On SECURITY: South East Governors decried the state of insecurity in the region. Our economic activities have come to a halt while kidnapping and wanton killing have become the order of the day.

“South East Governors call on the Federal Government to come to our aid in providing security in the Zone bearing in mind that elections are around the corner.”Meanwhile, South East Governors have agreed to set up a”24-hour Joint Patrol in all major highways within the SouthEast, especially during the Christmas season.

On FLOODS: “We commend the States and the Federal Government on efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the victims of the recent flood menace in the Country. We hope, however, that long term solution is desirable. South East Governors havedecided 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 South East, 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.

“South East Governors Forum jointly formed Ebubeagu and Forest Guards not ESN. So, it is not correct for any person to allude to fact that South East Governors created ESN.

” South East Governors are watching with keen interest, the developments with respect to 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 meeting was attended by the governor of Anambra state, professor Chukwuma Soludo, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ibezim, , the governor of Abia state, Dr Ikpeazu,  host governor,  Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.”