South-east Governors Seek Political Solution To Kanu’s Trial; Sets Up Joint Security Patrol on Highways

By Ayodele Oni

The Governors of the South Eastern States of the country, on Sunday, restated their position on the ongoing trial of their kinsman, Nnmadi Kanu,  leader of the  Indigenous People’s of Biafra (IPOB), for a political solution as the way out.

Rising from their meeting in Enugu, the Governors said they were monitoring the situation.

“South-east Governors are watching with keen interest, the developments with respect to the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu viz-a-viz the Court rulings. However, we believe that a political solution is still possible in this circumstance.”

They called on the Federal Government to provide adequate security in the zone ahead of next year’s general elections.

They lamented the increasing wave of insecurity within states in the zone and agreed to set up a 24-hour Joint Patrol in all major highways within the South East, especially during the Christmas season.

In the communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Governors also dismissed media reports that they’re responsible for the creation of ESN, stressing that they only created Ebubeagu and Forest Guards.

Ebonyi State Governor and Chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum, David Umahi, who read the communique, decried the state of insecurity in the region lamenting that “Our economic activities have come to a halt while kidnapping and wanton killing have become the order of the day.

“South-east Governors call on the Federal Government to come to our aid in providing security in the Zone bearing in mind that elections are around the corner.

“Meanwhile, South-east Governors have agreed to set up a 24-hour Joint Patrol in all major highways within the South East, especially during the Christmas season.”

The Governors commended the States and the Federal Government on “efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the victims of the recent flood menace in the Country. We hope, however, that long term solution is desirable.”

“South-east Governors have decided to put funds together to further assist the victims of flooding in our five States in the South East.

“We, also plead with the Federal Government to please initiate action in the dredging of rivers in the South East, to ameliorate the destruction of houses, farmlands and properties.

“We request the Federal Government to come to the aid of the victims in terms of rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons.”

The forum “congratulated and welcomed His Excellency, the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Prof. Charles Soludo, who was represented by His Deputy, His Excellency, Dr. Onyekachukwu G. Ibezim.

The Governors were however, silent on the 2023 Presidential election especially, the issue of Peter Obi, candidate of Labour Party, (LP) who is one of the leading presidential candidates from the zone.

Also present at the meeting were; Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Imo state, Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma who was represented by his deputy; Prof. Placid Njoku.