The Southeast may lose political relevance in the country if the security situation in the region persists, according to Anyim Pius Anyim, a former Secretary to the government of the federation, SGF.
The former SGF gave this warning on Thursday at the south-east economic and security summit in Owerri, the Imo state capital, saying the insurgency by members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra threatens future elections in the region.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed the governorship election in Imo state for November 11 amidst serious security concerns in the state , and the entire region.
The electoral umpire also said on Wednesday that the election in the state is threatened because people are unwilling to work as adhoc staff of the Commission during the election due to insecurity.
Anyim’s warning however comes on the heels of the Nigerian Airforce bombardment of IPOB hideouts in Imo and Anambra communities during the week.
Air Force spokesman Gabriel Gabkwet, said in a statement on Wednesday, that several strikes were carried out on Tuesday at separate locations of the two eastern states.
The locations include Mother Valley Orsumughu in the Nnewi South Local Government Area, LGA, of Anambra State and Aku Ihube in the Okigwe LGA of Imo State.
The air raid came as a result of the recent attacks by the separatists in both states, including the killing of some soldiers in an ambush in Imo state.
Speaking, Anyim said peace will continue to elude the region until Igbo leaders dialogue with the militants, to know what they want, adding that the ongoing IPOB agitation should not be misconstrued for the Nigerian Civil War in 1967.
According to him, “the circumstances which led to the Nigerian civil war in 1967 appeared not to be the same with the current agitation by these separatist groups.
“This is why the leaders of the south-east should look inward by bringing the agitators closer to actually understand their yearnings.
“The leaders should come out openly and make a strong statement in order to douse the tension rather than turning deaf ears to the activities of the agitators.
“I fear that sooner than later, south-east may lose political relevance and may no longer be favourable for any electoral exercise due to insecurity.
“This is the time to put an end to this menace and return the land to its peaceful and harmonious state.”
Among other demands, IPOB has called for the release of its detained leader Nnamdi Kanu, who is undergoing trial currently.
On October 13, 2022, the Court of Appeal presided over by Justice Binta Murtala Nyako, dismissed all charges against the embattled IPOB leader and ordered his unconditional release.
The federal government has yet to obey the order.
