Worried by the apprehensions generated by the recent relocation of some Boko Haram detainees to Ekwulobia in Anambra State, governors of the South East geopolitical zone under the umbrella of the South East Governors’ Forum have descended on the Federal Government, saying they would not tolerate such action in the zone.
The governors, who met for the first time in this dispensation on Sunday at the Government House, Owerri, the Imo State capital, after a crucial meeting, argued that if the relocation had become inevitable, the detained Muslim fundamentalists should be taken to Abuja where there is a stronger and maximum security.
The Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said the governors had equally resolved among other issues to work together in order to find lasting solution to the security challenges confronting the zone.
They listed such challenges to include kidnapping, baby factory business, cultism and armed robbery and said they would liaise with all the security chiefs and elders in the zone to tackle the menace.
The governors, who decried the plight of the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency who are mostly of Igbo extraction, implored the Federal Government to do something urgently to alleviate their predicament, including the displaced persons.
According to them, they had also resolved to establish a South East economy hub to promote commercial activities, job creation and industry as part of measures to strengthen the economy of the zone.
On the issue of Radio Biafra, which currently operates on frequency 102.7 FM, the governors made it clear that the station neither has their endorsement nor that of the leaders of the South East and assured concerned Nigerians that the security agencies will handle the situation at the appropriate time.
They disclosed that they would soon have a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari with a view of highlighting the problems facing the zone, including appointments into key positions in the country.
The governors jointly agreed that Enugu still remains the headquarters of the zone and that a secretariat would soon be established there where they would be holding their meetings as well as serve as their rallying point where issues relating to the zone would be discussed.
Governors present at the meeting were the host, Okorocha; Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; and Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kelechi Eric Igwe.
Okorocha had earlier explained that the absence of the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, was as a result of other exigencies.
Meanwhile, contrary to reports in some national newspapers attributing some comments to Obiano on the alleged plot to transfer Boko Haram detainees to the state, the governor has denied making any comment on controversial matter.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, James Eze, in a reaction on Sunday, said Obiano “never” made any comments as published by the newspapers.
According to Eza, rather than what was represented in the alleged “false” report, the governor’s position had been reflected in two press statements issued June 28, 2015 and July 1.
“In both statements, his message was simple; he re-assured Ndi Anambra that he was on top of the situation and that he was speaking with the relevant authorities to achieve a peaceful resolution of the issue. Obiano’s commitment to this extremely sensitive issue remains the same,” he said.
Eze noted that the governor was aware of the strong feelings provoked by the Boko Haram sect among the people of the state and the South East region
He said: “Therefore, he shall never use this subject of pain and anguish to play politics. Those who are not held back by any moral considerations in their pursuit of power, cheap popularity and vendetta are free to play with the agony of the people for their narrow interests.
“But for Obiano, certain things are bigger than politics. He therefore appeals to Ndi Anambra to go about their normal businesses while he continues to engage the relevant authorities on the matter.”
ThisDay.