Weeks after the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, launched the Eastern Security Network, ESN, South East governors say they are ready to set up a regional security outfit.
Dave Umahi, the governor of Ebonyi state and chairman of South East Governors Forum said that the region is set to unveil its security outfit as part of moves to addressing the challenges of insecurities in the zone.
Speaking at the end of a meeting of the governors, Umahi said that no name has officially been chosen for the outfit, adding that the zone would meet soon to decide on the name.
The governors had earlier in 2020 rejected the idea of a regional security outfit, choosing to go with the Nigerian Police’s special constabulary. The move drew sharp criticism from stakeholders in the region who saw the decision as a betrayal.
Umahi who expressed optimism that the region remained the most peaceful in the country, stressed that the pockets of resistance in his state was politically motivated.
“South East Governors had had meeting on security. We are going to unveil uniform and vehicles perculiar with South East. For adequate protection of lives and properties.
“Whether PDP, APC, APGA anybody that is causing problem must be arrested and dealt with.”
“There is growing concern of security in the State (Ebonyi) and it had a lot of political undertone.
“The idea is to discredit my administration in the State. If not properly handled will lead to attack on our brothers and sisters”, he explained.
Umahi also stated there’s peace between the residents of the State and Fulani herdsmen adding that issues concerning security should be handled with care.”
