Worried by the fast deteriorating and unbearable insecurity situation in the South East geo-political zone, a non-partisan organisation with the interest of the Igbo at heart, Anya-Ndi-Igbo, has called on the federal and state governments to address insecurity in the region South East as it has become unbearable.
The group, committed to peace, security and development of Ala-Igbo and to peaceful co-existence between Ndi-Igbo and other nationalities, made this call and gave recommendations in a statement made available to newsmen and dated December 27. It was signed by the Chairman of its Board Of Trustees, Uma Eleazu; Trustee, Prof Ihechukwu Madubuike; President, Chris Okoye; Deputy President, Abraham Nwankwo; Secretary, Okey Nwadinobi; Chairman, Security Committee, Major General Nick Rogers; Representative of Women Groups, Nnedinso Ogaziechi; and Chairman, Media and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Amaechi.
The group said, “Generally, Nigerians from all works of life are facing the biggest threat to their lives and livelihoods. The framers of our Nigerian Constitution starting from the 1999 constitution to the last amendment, foresaw today. This explains their provision of the primary duty of government as protection of lives and property. It is, therefore, the inalienable right and entitlement of every Nigerian to benefit from the primary duty of government to protect lives and property.
“In recent years and particularly in the past three years, the scale and depth of insecurity in the South East have become unbearable. Terrorist-type invasions accompanied by massacre and sacking of entire communities, which are hardly countered by Federal and States Governments have become a common feature of the region. Other types of merchants of crime, violence and torture have joined the rampage, thereby creating hell on earth for residents and travellers in the region.
“ANYA-NDI-IGBO condemns the havoc being wrecked on Ndi-Igbo by the existence of non-state actors in the South East, under different guises, acronyms and for other reasons. Only organizations that exist by relevant laws and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should engage in law enforcement. The objective is to make Ala-Igbo safe, not only for Ndigbo, but also attractive for people from other parts of the country to choose to live in.
“ANYA-NDI-IGBO advises South East Governors to go the extra mile in addressing security challenges and make security the topmost priority of their administration in order to reverse the current ugly trend. They should use all legitimate powers to stabilise and secure their States from further descent into chaos and work with federal authorities to restore normalcy.
“We encourage the Federal Government to open their doors for engagement and dialogue with all Agitation Groups as a way of understanding what the issues are and to resolve the genuine cases.
“We request the Federal Government to put all relevant measures in place to ensure that there is peace and Nigerians are protected as they come out to vote in 2023. All hands must be on deck to ensure that the right things are done. We appeal to the Commanders of the armed forces to collaborate with other State actors to work in synergy to maintain law and order. An insecure nation is a threat to all. It affects our general well-being and scares away our financially strong diaspora community as well as genuine investors,” the group stated.
