Political leaders in the South-East geo-political zone have once again distanced themselves from the increasing calls for the restoration of the defunct Biafra Republic.
This is contained in a communique read after state governors from the region and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the socio-cultural group in the Igbo predominantly area met in Enugu on Saturday.
“We condemn the killing of security agencies, burning of strategic infrastructure and killing of civilians in South East and other regions,” the leaders said. “We request our security agencies to please discharge their duties within the rules of engagement and the law.
“We request our National Assembly from the South East to support State Police creation in the ongoing constitutional amendment.
“We condemn in totality, the activities of violent secessionist groups in South East and elsewhere, we firmly proclaim that.
“We do not support them, they do not speak for South East. The impression that South East leaders are silent over some of our youths agitators for secession is not correct. South East Governors, Ohaneze President, National Assembly members, notable leader 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.
“Meeting directed our Governors and Ohaneze Ndigbo to liaise with indigenes from northern part of Nigeria and indigenes of other regions to assure that the nation Nigeria and their people of their safety in South East.
“The meeting endorsed our South East joint security outfit – Ebubeagu and asked them to work with security agencies and to respect the rights and privileges of all those living in South East and our visitors,” the communique added.
