Over the last month separatists calling for the recreation of the defunct Biafran republic have been organising demonstrations across Igboland, campaigning for secession. Their protests were sparked by the arrest of Radio Biafra director Nnamdi Kanu who was apprehended by security agents following his arrival in Lagos from the UK.
Although several governors and Igbo leaders have condemned the calls, there is yet to be an official statement from the Forum of Southeast Governors. This weekend, the governors plan to meet with Ohaneze Ndigbo leaders to adopt a formal position on the protests and chart a way forward.
Sam Onwuemeodo, the chief press secretary to Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha, said: “The meeting is also being called at the demand of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (Massob), which has gained momentum in recent times. The meeting is slated for noon at Government House, Enugu.’’
He added that already, the governors had met on Tuesday where participants sued for peace, at a gathering presided over by Governor Okorocha. After the meeting, Governor Okorocha said the governors resolved to consult widely with Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the zone, traditional rulers, development unions, the clergy and others.
Already, Governor Okorocha has advised the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra and the Massob to continue to toe the line of peace as this is the only way to ensure the development of the southeastern geo-political zone. He added that the governor forum has already agreed to appoint a high level economic advisory committee to harness the economic potentials of the people of the area.
According to Governor Okorocha, the forum was concerned about the state of federal roads in the zone, particularly the Enugu-Onitsha Express Road and the Aba-Ikot Ekpene, Owerri-Port Harcourt and Enugu-Port Harcourt roads. He called on the federal government to intervene urgently on the roads and many others that were in deplorable conditions.
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