Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma has expressed doubt that the leader of the Indegenious People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is responsible for the series of killings, kidnappings and other criminal activities in the South East region of the country.
He said, "I don't know how you want to relate the name Nnamdi Kalu to the kidnappings, the beheading of human beings, the burning down of homes and palaces of traditional rulers to Nnamdi Kanu. But if you have evidence you may wish to approach us after this session."
Uzodinma stated this shortly after meeting of the South East Governors Forum held in Enugu today while fielding questions on the perception that the continued detention of Nnamdi Kalu was responsible for the insecurity in the eastern states.
The Imo Governor who is also chairman of the Forum said efforts are in place aimed at facilitating the possible release of Nnamdi Kanu from detention.
And on the possibility of reactivating the operations of Ebubeagu in the region, Uzodinma said: "that has to do with the details of the programmes of the Forum of Governors, working in partnership with the federal government to deal with insecurity in the region. When the details are out, we will let you know."
Earlier, the South Eastern Governors, rising from their meeting resolved to collaborate with the federal government to tackle the menace of insecurity threatening the socio-economic life of the people of the region.
They said those behind the insecurity as it is perceived in the South East - both the perpetrators and sponsors - are simply criminals and must be treated as such when arrested in accordance with the law and not be seen as legitimate agitators they claim to be.
The meeting which lasted for several hours at the Enugu State Government House also had in attendance Dr. Alex Oti (Abia), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra), Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi) and Dr. Peter Mba of Enugu, as the host.
In a communique read after the meeting by Uzodinma, Chairman of the Forum, the Governors also commended the security agencies for their cooperation and achievements in the zone so far and encouraged them not to relent.
The communique read, "The forum firmly resolved to fight insecurity decisively in the region, individually and collectively, in partnership with the federal government of Nigeria and other stakeholders.
"We commend the security agencies for their cooperation and achievements thus far and encourage them not to relent.
"We wish to categorically state that the perpetrators of the insecurity and their sponsors in our region are criminals and should not be seen as legitimate agitators.
"Therefore, upon arrest, they should be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.
"The Forum resolved to hold the security and economic Summit for the South East region on a date to be announced soon."
