Leaders from the South-Eastern part of Nigeria have declared support for an “indivisible entity – Nigeria, built on love, fairness, equity and justice.”
This was disclosed in a statement of the Forum of South-East leaders after a meeting of the Presidential delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari.
The statement issued on behalf of the leaders by the Chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum, Gov. Dave Umahi, said “we stand for an indivisible and united Nigeria, built on love, fairness, equity and justice. We believe that under this platform – NIGERIA; we are bigger and stronger.”
They also lauded the Federal Government on the matured and responsive manner it handled all issues relating to the #EndSARS protest.
“We thank President Buhari for the speed and restraint with which he handled the #EndSARS protest, which has engendered peace throughout the country, especially the South-East.
“We, therefore, request the President to look into demands of various groups and youths with a view to resolving them’’, the statement said.
The statement further called for a joint operation by security agencies and local vigilant groups to flush out criminals gangs from all forests in the zone.
They called on the Federal Government to continue its support and diplomatic push for the former Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in her quest for the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The statement commended the Government for the timely interventions in Akanu Ibiam International Airport rehabilitation as well as intervention in road infrastructures in the zone.
“We are grateful for the attention given to the second Niger Bridge and completion and inauguration of the Zik’s mausoleum.
“However, we urged the Federal Government to give attention to the completion of the current road projects within the zone’’, they said.
The Governors also pledged to provide money to compensate those affected by the #EndSARS protest and rebuild police facilities; while engaging the youths constantly to forestall any violent development in the zone.
“We have plans to set up various empowerment programmes to gainfully engage the youths. The governors also plan to mainstream the youths in their governance to give them a sense of belonging.
“We thank leaders of other zones for protecting our people and their businesses within their areas; We pledge to do same in the entire South-East”, the statement added.
The meeting was attended by leaders of the South-East including Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia; Hope Uzodinma of Imo and Deputy Gov. Nkem Okeke, who represented Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra State.
The rest are Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Sen. Sam Egwu, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, representing South-East elders; Chief Nnia Nwodo, President of Ohanaze Ndigbo Worldwide; Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma and House of Representatives’ members as well as traditional, religious and youth leaders
Dignitaries in the Presidential delegation included the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari; Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu; Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr Uchenna Ogah; among others.