Gov. Uzodimma, Ikpeazu Reveals More On New South-East Security Outfit

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State on Sunday threw more light on the formation of the new security outfit of the South-East.

On his Part, governor Uzodinma said recent attacks in the south-east constitute the worst challenge faced by the Igbo since the civil war.

This analysis came from the governor due to the recent security challenge faced by the south east which gave rise to the formation of new security outfit for the south-Eastern part of Nigeria codenamed ” Ebubeagu“. The meeting which was attended by the governors on the zone took place at Owerri on Sunday.

The civil war, which occured between 1967 and 1970, resulted in loss of lives.

In recent times, there have been several attacks in the south-east region, leading to killings and invasion of security facilities.

Speaking at the summit, governor Uzodimma said the region is confronted by a hydra-headed monster that must be tamed urgently.

His words: “While I will not easily subscribe to the school of thought that believes that the south-east is under siege, I will readily agree that since the end of the civil war, Ndigbo has not witnessed such a monumental existential challenge as the one now staring us in the face,” he said.

“The question of how we came to this sorry state is no longer necessary. What matters now is how to get out of it fast enough, and how to secure the zone from further harassment by militants and terrorists, and free our people from the accompanying fear and panic; they are forced to live with in the aftermath of the mindless attacks.

“This is the agenda for this summit and it is one task that we must accomplish together or forever live with the shame that under our watch, militants overwhelmed our constituted authority and subjected our people to a state of perpetual fear and trembling.”

The governor said several misconceptions have been developed to explain the attacks, saying “the most ridiculous of these theories is the one that posits that Igbo no longer want to be part of Nigeria”.

He noted that Igbos are major stakeholders in Nigeria with dominance in several sectors, hence, disintegration will not be beneficial to natives.

Uzodimma also asked south-east governors to declare that the region is not at war with the federal government.

“If anything, we are on the same page in not only condemning terrorism anywhere in Nigeria, but in fighting same with all the arsenals at our behest. Like I have propounded time after time, Igbos are not at war with anyone, neither is anyone at war with Ndigbo,” he said.

Also in reaction to the new security outfit, the governor of Imo State, Dr. Okezie Ikleazu, in an interview in Channel Television political program hinted on the urgent need for security outfit.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has revealed that the name Ebubeagu means the aura of a lion which connotes strong territorial authority over a particular region.

Giving further details about the new security outfit, governor Ikpeazu said, “This means that we have resolved to come together to synergies and see how best we can protect lives and properties of citizens within the geo-political zone.

“The command headquarters will be in Enugu State. Every State will respond according to the weight and capacity to bear.For instance in Abia, if I want to have 200 boys in each Local Government Area, that will give me 3,400. My colleagues can do more. In terms of bearing arms, they will be prepared to match whatever arsenals they are confronted with equivalent force.”

Candidreporters.com earlier reported the outcome of the South-East security summit held at Owerri on Sunday.

The Governors of the South East States, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Wilberforce Obiano of Anambra State and David Umahi of Ebonyi State, attended the meeting and agreed that a security outfit will be set up to tackle the insurgency in the South East region.