SAN FRANCISCO, October 09, (THEWILL) – The South-South, South-East Governors’ Forum have re-affirmed their support for the indivisibility of the country, urging those threatening Nigerians with quit notice or secession to desist forthwith.
Chairman of the forum, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, made this known in a press briefing, after the meeting which held in Owerri, saying that the unity of the country was non-negotiable but it was important to maintain fairness, justice and equity as a country.
The Forum commended leaders in the North and South East for their patriotism in ensuring that the country remain united by wading into the issue to douse the tension and maintained peace but identified infrastructure and unjustifiable lack of federal presence in the regions as issues that needed to be addressed urgently.
“We remain committed to the unity and indivisibility of our polity and we assure all the residents of the regions of their safety at all times,” he said.
“Let me at this point commend the efforts of the security agencies for the improved security in our region. We hope to increase and sustain oil production for the best interest of the nation even though our revenue is yet to reflect the improved increase in oil prices.
“We are worried about the state of the nation which has given rise to agitations from all over the country and the issue of justice, fairness and equity which many believe are in deficit in our country.
“As leaders we owe our people the moral responsibility of ensuring that they are not only protected physically but that their interest are protected as well by all of us, Let me register my appreciation and the forum to all those whose contributions led to the setting aside of the Igbo quit notice issued by some misguided youths in the North to the Igbos residing in that region.
“That such quit notice was disregarded and put aside is a proof that Nigerians are still willing to co-exist peacefully with one another. We are hopeful that this will be the last time that a person or any group of persons will make any statement or take any action that will suggest that any part of this country is a no go area for any Nigerian.”
The forum, while discussing the proposed amendment of the 1999 Constitution, resolved to take a position that would be in the best interest of the people of the two regions.
Present at the meeting alongside Governor, Udom Emmanuel were Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State; Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.
Also present were Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State while the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke represented the Governor.
