A group, known as Anyi-Ndi-Igbo has condemned the incessant insecurity currently troubling the South East, stating that southeast governors must end killings in the region.
In a statement signed by the president of the group, Engr. Chris Okoye; Ikechukwu Amaechi, chairman media and strategic communication and six others, it called on the South East governors to emulate governors from South West, Rivers and Benue States in tackling insecurity in the region.
Part of the group’s statement read that “we call all communities in collaboration with the state governments and the Nigeria Police Force to revive and strengthen their customary methods of protecting their communities to safeguard themselves on a continuing basis.
We request the Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) to coordinate the implementation in the spirit of their continued selfless contribution to the welfare of Ala-Igbo.
“We plead with our revered Ecclesiastical Fathers and Traditional Authorities to bless and support these efforts.
Meanwhile, the five governors of the South East States are respectfully reminded that they cannot abandon their responsibility by allowing this anarchy and festival of blood to continue. They are expected to use their constitutional powers to do the needful, as the
governments of Benue, Rivers and South Western States have done to arrest insecurity in their respective territories.
While condemning the insecurity situation in the region, the group stated that “Anyi-ndi-igbo condemns the havoc being wrecked on Ndi-Igbo by the existence of nonstate actors in the South East, under different guises, acronyms and for other reasons. Only organizations that exist by relevant laws and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should engage in law enforcement.
“The objective is to make Ala-Igbo safe, not only for NdiIgbo, but also attractive for people from other parts of the country to choose to live in.
“ Anya-Ndi-Igbo advises South East governors to go the extra mile in addressing security challenges and make security the topmost priority of their administration in order to reverse the current ugly trend. They should use all legitimate powers to stabilise and secure their states from
further descent into chaos and work with federal authorities to restore normalcy.
“ We encourage the federal government to open their doors for engagement and dialogue with all agitation groups as a way of understanding what the issues are and to resolve the genuine cases.
“We request the federal government to put all relevant measures in place to ensure that there is peace and Nigerians are protected as they come out to vote in 2023. All hands must be on deck
to ensure that the right things are done. We appeal to the Commanders of the armed forces to collaborate with other State actors to work in synergy to maintain law and order. An insecure
nation is a threat to all. It affects our general well being and scares away our financially strong diaspora community as well as genuine investors.”
