… They Don’t Speak for the South East, leaders Declare
Governors from the South East region and other leaders in the region have distanced themselves from the agitations of secessionist groups in the region and other parts of the country, declaring that such groups don’t speak for the region.
The leaders, who condemned in strong terms, violent activities of the various secessionist groups, which resulted in loss of valuable lives and destruction of properties, reaffirmed their commitment to one Uunited Nigeria.
Chairman of the Forum and Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, who made known the leaders’ positions at the end of the meeting, dismissed the impression that South East leaders are silent about some of groups agitations for secession.
He urged the security agencies to discharge their duties in line with the rule of engagement.
The leaders declared: “We condemn in totality, the activities of violent secessionist groups in the South East and elsewhere; we firmly proclaim that we do not support them, they do not speak for South East.
He added: “The impression that South East leaders are silent over some of our youths’ agitations for secession is not correct.
“South East Governors, Ohanaeze President, National Assembly members, notable leaders had come out publicly many times in the past to speak against such agitations.
They urged the security agencies to discharge their duties in line with the rule of engagement.
“We condemn in totality, the activities of violent secessionist groups in the South East and elsewhere; we firmly proclaim that we do not support them, they do not speak for South East,” Umahi said.
He added: “The impression that South East leaders are silent over some of our youths’ agitations for secession is not correct.
“South East Governors, Ohanaeze President, National Assembly members, notable leaders had come out publicly many times in the past to speak against such agitations. In order not to mismanage the unfortunate situation, South East leaders have set up a committee to engage such youths to stop and allow elders speak to address such fears.”
Channels Television reports that the leaders condemned the threats by some groups against the people of the region and promised to protect everyone – from the South East and other regions.
The deaders urged other regions to protect the Igbos living in their domains.