South East Leaders comprising of the governors, Lawmakers and the Igbo sociocultural organization, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, have resolved to send a delegation to President Bola Tinubu over the worsening security situation in the region.
The Leaders took the decision at an emergency meeting held on Monday evening at the Imo state Governor’s lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
Those present at the meeting includes, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, his Ebonyi State counterpart, Francis Nwifuru and former governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige.
Others are former governor Ikedi Ohakim, former Senate President, Pius Anyim, Osita Chidoka, Prof. Maurice Iwu, Senators Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Sam Egwu, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Darlington Nwokocha, Dave Umahi, Prof. ABC Nwosu, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, Mrs Josephine Anenih, and Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo.
Senator Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, addressing Journalist after the meeting which lasted for over four hours said insecurity remained the greatest challenge facing the southeast that needs the federal government intervention.
He said; “The federal government in the past has supported us but we think that the federal government can do more. So among other resolutions, we resolved today to make a representation to the President for his intervention to be able to bring insecurity in the region to an end. So any moment from now, we’ll be putting together an arrangement to visit the president and discuss with him. There are certain things we cannot do very well without the federal government. Security is in the Exclusive List and only the federal government can deploy as appropriate.”
Also speaking, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who led the meeting said the five governors of the Southeast are working together with lawmakers from the zone to find lasting solution to challenges facing the people.
He said; “Frankly speaking, I am not going to give you the details of what we want to do. The problem of insecurity is one that cannot be solved by the Southeast governors alone. We have resolved that the leadership of Ohanaeze, the governors and lawmakers to get in touch with the President.
“The problem in South East is too much, is too big for the governors alone. It is a Nigerian problem and the president will give support to the governors.”