South-East Governors Forum says it will seek a political solution to the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) currently in detention.

The governors disclosed this in a communique issued at the end of the forum’s meeting held at the Government House, Enugu on Sunday.

In the communique, the governors said they are watching developments around Mr Kanu with keen interest, viz-a-viz the Appeal Court rulings. They say a political solution is still possible in this circumstance.

The governors are meeting for the first time since October 2021.

The forum however, decried the state of insecurity in the region, stating that economic activities have come to a halt in the zone while kidnapping and wanton killing had become the order of the day.

“We call on the Federal Government to come to our aid in providing security in the zone bearing in mind that elections are around the corner.

“We have also agreed to set up a 24-hour Joint Patrol in all major highways within the Southeast, especially during the Christmas season,” the communique said.

The governors, however, denied creating Eastern Security Network (ESN) but jointly formed Ebubeagu and Forest Guards to provide security for the region.

“It is not correct for any person to allude to the fact that South East Governors created ESN.

The governors commended states and the federal government’s efforts to alleviate the sufferings of victims of the recent flood menace in the country.

“We hope, however, that long term solution is desirable. South East Governors have decided to put funds together to further assist the victims of flooding in our five states in the South East.

“We also plead with the Federal Government to please initiate action in the dredging of rivers in the South East, to ameliorate the destruction of houses, farmlands and properties.

“The Federal Government should come to the aid of the victims in terms of rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons,” the governors appealed.

The meeting was attended by Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, and host governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Governors of Anambra and Imo states, Professor Charles Soludo and Hope Uzodinma were represented by their deputies, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezi and Professor Placid Njoku respectively. 

(NAN)