South East Not At War With Federal Govt – Imo Gov, Uzodinma

• Uzodinma urged security agencies in the zone to work in sync through intelligence gathering and sharing.

Imo state governor Hope Uzodinma said the recent spate of violent attacks in the southeast should not be construed as parts of clandestine plots to secede from Nigeria.

The region has witnessed an inexorable rise in criminal activities and devastating attacks on public infrastructure, especially security agencies formations.

The development has sparked fear of the imminent emergence of insurgency in the region as the situation approximates to activities of monstrous Boko Haram insurgents in its incipient days.

Speaking on Sunday at the south-east security summit, which held in Owerri, Imo state capital, on Sunday, the governor said several misconceptions have been developed to explain the attacks, saying “the most ridiculous of these theories is the one that posits that Igbo no longer want to be part of Nigeria”.

He noted that Igbos are major stakeholders in Nigeria with dominance in several sectors, hence, disintegration will not be beneficial to natives.

Uzodinma also asked south-east governors to declare that the region is not at war with the federal government.

He disclosed that the Igbo wanted fairness and equality, adding that the people are not interested in the disintegration of the country.

“If anything, we are on the same page in not only condemning terrorism anywhere in Nigeria, but in fighting same with all the arsenals at our behest. Like I have propounded time after time, Igbos are not at war with anyone, neither is anyone at war with Ndigbo,” he said.

“What Ndigbo wants is justice, equity and fairness — a Nigeria that provides a level-playing ground for all citizens. That is what we want, not Biafra. And we believe we can get what we want through constructive and tenacious engagement with fellow nationals and relevant institutions, not by violence or war.

“Those creating the erroneous impression that Igbos want to leave Nigeria are either naive or mischievous. Igbos need Nigeria just like Nigeria and Nigerians need Igbos.”

He also asked security chiefs to provide information on needed logistics to end attacks in the region.

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