*South-East Governors, in Nigeria, have resolved to set up a 24-hour Joint Patrol on all major highways to ensure safety of lives and property of citizens, especially during the Yuletide season

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Against the backdrop of the recent eerie security situation in the region, Governors of the South-East zone of Nigeria have lamented the rising levels of insecurity of lives and property.

ConsumerConnect reports the State Executives from South-East, under the aegis of the South-East Governors’ Forum, are planning joint highway patrols as part of moves to combat the unsettling trend in the region.

This measure is part of their resolutions after a meeting held Sunday, October 30, 2022, in Enugu State.

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, in a communique after the meeting, said: “South-East Governors decried the state of insecurity in the region.

“Our economic activities have come to a halt while kidnapping and wanton killing have become the order of the day.

“South-East Governors call on the Federal Government to come to our aid in providing security in the Zone bearing in mind that elections are around the corner.”

The communique stated: “Meanwhile, South-East Governors have agreed to set up a 24-hour Joint Patrol on all major highways within the South East, especially during the Christmas season.”

The governors, however, distanced themselves from the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The State Chief Executives clarified that they only “jointly formed Ebubeagu and Forest Guards, not ESN.

“So, it is not correct for any person to allude to the fact that South-East Governors created ESN.”

‘A Political Solution’ to IPOB agitation

On the case involving the leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, the South-East Governors’ Forum said it is “watching with keen interest”.

“However, we believe that a political solution is still possible in this circumstance.”

Besides, the recent floods which have displaced millions and killed hundreds in several parts of Nigeria formed part of the governors’ resolutions.

They urged the Federal Government to alleviate the sufferings of those affected and fashion out a “term solution” to the menace.

The governor’s further stated: “South-East Governors have decided to put funds together to further assist the victims of flooding in our five states in the South-East.

“We, also plead with the Federal Government to please initiate action in the dredging of rivers in the South-East, to ameliorate the destruction of houses, farmlands, and properties.”

They added:  “We request the Federal Government to come to the aid of the victims in terms of rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons.”