embrace peace.
The Chairman, South East Governors Forum, Mr. David Umahi, made the call
while briefing newsmen at the end of their meeting in Enugu.
Umahi admonished the youths to desist from destroying government and
private property as the governors seek ways to remedy the recent
vandalism of property by the #ENDSARS protesters in the region.
“We sympathise with all the victims’ families, including the Police and
other security agencies, as well as all those who lost their loved ones
and other valuables in the recent disturbances.
“The South East leaders will engage our youths to ensure sustainable
peace in the region and a glorious future for our children.
“Each state in the South East will set up a fund to assist the victims
of the crisis, including the Police, the Army, and other security
agencies, as well as the civilians,’’ he said.
Umahi, who is the governor of Ebonyi, also assured that the state
governors were committed to addressing the concerns of the youths that
were peculiar to their various states.
He said that the South East governors will engage the Federal Government
and their colleagues in other states to address other issues that were
regional or national in nature.
“We advise all our youths that while the governors are working hard to
meet their demands, the destruction of public/private property and
attacks on security personnel and civilians will not be allowed to
continue.
“The leaders, therefore, directed all Igbos both at home and in the
diaspora to go about their lawful activities and not get involved in any
form of unlawful protest or criminality.
“We pledge to protect all ethnic groups living in the South East and we
thank our other colleague governors for protecting our people in their
various jurisdictions,’’ Umahi said.
Those present at the meeting included Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu
State, Abia State Gov. Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Deputy Gov. of Anambra, Dr.
Nkem Okeke, and Imo State Deputy Gov. Prof. Placid Njoku.
Others included the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia
Nwodo, Former Senate Dep. President, Ike Ekweremadu; as well as Senators
Rochas Okorocha, Sam Egwu, and Uche Ekwunife.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of State
for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, Minister of State
for the Environment, Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor; the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal
Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Chief Emmanuel
Iwuanyanwu, as well as Amb. Mrs. Justina Eze. (NAN)