…back Ebube Agu
By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – A research-based think-tank, Ndigbo Historical Initiative (NHI), has called on South East Governors in particular to grant full financial autonomy to local government areas in the five states.
The group made this known in a statement over the weekend while reacting to the spate of killings by “unknown gunmen” in Igboland.
NHI condemned the killing of security agents and repeated arson on public buldings.
It said the incidents do not bode well for the well-being of the people.
A statement signed by the group’s convener Julie Iregbu-Ihejirika, and titled “Insecurty, instability and the road not to be taken,” condemned the killings which has claimed over 120 lives in the last two months.
“The murder of more than 127 policemen, a few soldiers and other security officers leaves a sour taste in the mouth,” it said.
The group also called on Ohaneze Ndigbo to expand the membership of its reconciliation committee to include more women.
It said the apex Igbo group must take advantage of the place of women in the society, especially when it comes to peace building in the ongoing process.
The group expressed worry over the breach of a prison in Owerri where over 1,500 inmates escaped from.
“These criminals have now poured into our communities,” the statement lamented.
It continued: “The authorities – both at the federal, state and local levels have not handled the issues with utmost attention and forbearance.
“We do not support militarisation of our communities, but appeal to our leaders at various levels especially non-state actors not to habour agents of destabilisation in their midst. As they say, he who rides the back of a tiger should remember that when the beast is hungry he will end up in its stomach.
“Igboland is still part and parcel of Nigeria, and therefore must conform to the laws of the land. Agitations can happen within the laws governing the country.
“We call on the governors of the South Eastern States to be more accountable to their people by putting their security votes to more effective use; we also encourage them to ensure that the recently established Ebubeagu Security outfit becomes functional.
“We encourage local communities to establish their own local vigilante groups to supplement the efforts of government.”