By Moses Okorie
Senators from the South-East region have raised the alarm over rising spate of insecurity in the zone, which has culminated into wanton killings of innocent lives.
The lawmakers under the aegis of South-East Caucus of the NASS made this position known via a press statement they issued on Monday, May 31, 2021, condemning the negative trend.
According to them, “We, the South-East Caucus of the NASS, as leaders and major stakeholders in the region, have observed with surprise the sudden spike in violence in the region known for its calm, love and peaceful disposition to visitors irrespective of tribe and religion.
“We have had cause always to deploy the instrumentalities of the institution of state to alert the government of Nigeria about some of the vexed issues of injustice, inequity and obvious marginalisation of the South East in governance structure. Nonetheless, we have not lost hope that the authorities will eventually do the right thing for the continued peaceful coexistence of all people in a united Nigeria.
“However, we are worried over recent developments in the South East, which has thrown the zone into violence and confusion.
“Igbos are not known to kill or waste lives. Igbos are not known for this unfortunate violent disposition, no matter the provocation.
“We note the increasing agitation for restructuring of Nigeria and increasing separatist agitations across the country due to perceived and real issues of marginalisation. On these issues, we, the leaders across-board, have consistently cautioned that such agitations must be strictly in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and must be peaceful and devoid of violence.
“The Southeast Caucus of NASS commiserates with all who have lost loved ones, friends and colleagues in these unfortunate incidents and trust that our great country is resilient enough to weather and survive the current challenges confronting it.
“We therefore condemn in its totality all forms of violence and killings under any guise. It is unacceptable and must never, for whatever reason, be condoned.
“We urge the Inspector General of Police to dig deep in his investigations to unravel the actual identities of these unknown gunmen determined to create a state of anarchy in the Southeast.
“The investigation has become necessary in the circumstance because of the magnitude of the attacks. More so as the region had not witnessed such in the past.
“We advise the security agencies to continue to show restraint in the discharge of its mission to restore peace in the Southeast. Security operatives must remember, at all times, that the majority of Igbos are opposed to any form of violence in furtherance of any cause.
Those who signed the statement included Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, Enugu State; Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abia State; Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, Abia State; Sen. Sam Egwu, Ebonyi State; Sen. Theodore A. Orji, Abia State; Sen. Onyewuchi Ezenwa, Imo State; Sen. Rochas A. Okorocha, Imo State; Sen. Frank Ibezim Imo State.
Others are Sen. Stella Odua, Anambra State; Sen. Uche Ekwunife, Anambra State; Sen. Ifeanyi Uba, Anambra State; Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani,
Enugu State; Sen. Chukwuka Utazi, Enugu State; Sen. Obinna Ogba,
Ebonyi State and Sen Michael Nnachi of Ebonyi State.