Ebonyi Governor David Umahi on Saturday declared condemned calls for secession by some groups in the country, declaring his support for a united Nigeria.

Mr Umahi said this in Abakaliki during the conclusion of the eight-day prayer and fasting session organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi Chapter,  over the security situation in the state.

The governor said he believed in a country where oneness, freedom, equity, justice, fairness among other virtues prevailed.

Secessionist group IPOB led by Nnamdi Kanu has been charging for a breakaway from the Nigerian state. The agitations have led to many brutal confrontations with state actors in southeastern cities such as Orlu, Aba, and Onitsha.

While Mr Kanu remains a fugitive from Nigeria, his adherents continue to stage demonstrations across the South-East.

“I do not believe in second-class citizenship where a section of the country is being seen to be superior to others.

“We are all created by God and no one should talk of disintegrating the country,” he said.

He admitted that most of the secessionist groups’ agitations were genuine, noting that they could however be addressed.

“I want Igbos to submit these agitations and I would lead the governors and leaders of the zone to the centre to address these grievances.

“The groups can then do what they like if after six months, we fail to address these grievances,” Mr Umahi said.

Mr Umahi urged the people to shun bitterness, anger, violence among other vices, to avoid bringing war and destruction unto the land.

“We would tell the authorities in Abuja that our people are aggrieved but such cannot be addressed by insulting the president, governors and leaders from other regions of the country,” he said.

The governor thanked CAN for nurturing the spiritual life of the state and urged it to engage all aggrieved groups in the 13 local government areas of the state to shun violence.

Reverend Father Abraham Nwali, State CAN Chairman, admonished Ebonyi people and Nigerians to appreciate God’s mercy upon them and repent from their evil ways.

“There has been no destruction or armed robbery in the state since this prayer and fasting session commenced as this shows God’s divine mercy upon the state.

“No country would experience the present situation in Nigeria and still remain one yet the citizens are bracing the inherent challenges with fortitude,” he said. 

(NAN)