South East political leaders, including governors, National Assembly members, and Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly, recently held a meeting in Abuja with the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other stakeholders. The main agenda of the meeting was to address the issue of insecurity in the region and devise strategies to tackle it effectively.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that security matters fall under the Exclusive Legislative List in the Nigerian Constitution, and the power to deploy military and police forces lies with the Presidency. The leaders expressed their concern about the ongoing loss of lives and property in the South East and stressed the need for urgent attention from the federal government.
As a result, the meeting concluded that a high-powered delegation from the region would meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the causes of insecurity in the South East and propose viable solutions. The delegation aims to seek the necessary support from the President in addressing the security challenges faced by the region.
Prominent figures present at the meeting included Senators David Umahi, Anyim Pius Anyim, Adolphus Nwabara, Victor Umeh, Osita Ngwu, Ifeanyi Ubah, Okey Ezea, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, and Chris Ngige. Other attendees included Prince Arthur Eze, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, and Prof. Paul Nnamchi.
Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, emphasized the unity among Igbo leaders and stakeholders in addressing the security challenges. He highlighted that while security is primarily the responsibility of the federal government, the South East leaders are committed to collectively engaging the President and seeking his support in resolving the issues.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President-General of Ohanaeze, expressed the need for the Igbo community to harness their resources and potentials for the benefit of the people. He called for cultural re-orientation and the revival of key industries to create employment opportunities. He also mentioned the establishment of an Education Trust Fund to promote quality education for the youth.
In response to questions from journalists, Governor Francis Nwifuru clarified that there was no observance of a sit-at-home order in Ebonyi State and dismissed reports of disruptions or fear caused by miscreants. He emphasized that such actions do not have the power to create tension or disrupt normal activities in the state.