Ugo Nosiri, Owerri
The five South-Eastern Governors today (Thursday) flagged off the South-East Economic and Security Summit in Owerri, Imo State.
The summit was aimed to brainstorm on the issue of insecurity in the zone which has become a major concern, and how to tackle it.
The governors regretted that the zone which was known for its entrepreneurship and business acumen is now lagging behind.
In his welcoming address, the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, urged the people of the South-East to shun their political differences and come together to identify what has gone wrong in the region.
The Governor regretted that the Igbos are no longer united, nor speak with one voice.
“We have allowed ourselves to be divided, and as the scripture said, a house divided against itself cannot stand”
He urged them not to allow themselves to drift further into insecurity, but should jolt out of the slumber of self-defeat, come together and fight the menace.
He stated that the challenge of insecurity is gradually bringing the South-East together in partnership and in cooperation.
“We are surrounded by dangerous criminals who want to decimate us…we are witnessing the worst form of insecurity where human blood, held sacred by Igbos is being shed recklessly; where human beings are beheaded, and where non-state actors are stopping Ndi Igbo from going out to seek for their daily bread,” Uzodimma bemoaned.
The Imo State Governor went further to insist that there is need for the Igbos to proffer solutions, pool resources together and to cooperate in order to be able to contain the dangers posed by insecurity.
Governor Uzodimma called for support for Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo and suggested the floating of a South-East Economic Development Fund to finance research that will bring prosperity to the people.
In attendance were the governors of Abia, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi states and also dignitaries from all walks of life.
