Prominent Southeast sons and
daughters said Ekpa should be brought back to Nigeria because he has continued
to denigrate the image and dignity of Nigeria.
They also condemned the
sit-at-home order enforced by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous
People of Biafra (IPOB) and their security arm, the Eastern Security Network
(ESN), stating that the needless action has continued to hurt the socio-economic
well-being of the people.
Operating under the canopy of
the Coalition of South East Professionals Network in Nigeria and Diaspora
(CSEPNND), the critical stakeholders said that aside from losing the lives of
innocent people, hardworking Igbo businesses have continued to suffer due to
the activities of the secessionists.
The professionals decried the
killing of soldiers at a military checkpoint in Aba, Abia State, about two
weeks ago, urging the authorities to do everything within the bounds of the law
to apprehend the killers and their sympathizers and bring them all to deserved
justice.
The professionals conveyed
their position in a statement signed on Wednesday by Prof. O.C. Madumere,
National President; Mazi Uche Igbokwe, National Secretary; and Dr. Chioma Maduka,
Coordinator, Women Wing.
While commending ongoing kinetic
and non-kinetic actions by Operation Udo Ka, the group, which comprises
intellectuals, politicians, entrepreneurs, and other prominent indigenes, urged
South Easterners at home and in the diaspora to support the military in rooting
out criminal elements terrorizing the area.
The statement reads: “South
East Professionals condemn in totality the mindless Sit-at-Home order declared
and enforced by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
and their militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“We regret to state that this
development has continued to have a negative effect on the socioeconomic and
political lives of South East indigenes and residents, who suffer losses each
time the aberration happens.
“As a people, we are known to
be peaceful and hospitable, considering our entrepreneurial spirit, which makes
us accommodating in every respect.
“It is noteworthy that whatever
IPOB members are agitating for may have lost its steam and essence, against the
backdrop of the fact that their brothers and sisters are the ones at the receiving
end of their activities.
“Also deserving of our loud
condemnation is the recent attack on troops at a checkpoint in Aba, Abia State,
resulting in the death of at least five soldiers, whose only ‘sin’ was the
protection of lives and property of indigenes.
“As a result of this dastardly
act, and others across our states, we declare total support for Operation Udo
Ka and urge the military to ensure that the enemies of the South East are
smoked out from wherever they may be hiding and dealt with appropriately.
“We also use this opportunity
to appeal to the government of Finland and the European Union (EU) to
repatriate the fugitive Simon Ekpa, who has continued to instigate violence
from his hiding place while disparaging the Nigerian state.”
Meanwhile, the CSEPNND has
tasked political authorities in the zone, especially governors, federal and
state lawmakers, and ministers, on the compelling need to support the military
in its quest to restore peace and order across the South East geopolitical
entity.
The statement said, “We are, by
this statement, challenging our political office holders, especially governors,
senators, members of the House of Representatives, ministers, and House of
Assembly members, to show more commitment to the fight against insecurity by
providing funds and equipment to the military and other security agencies
operating in our land.
“There is an urgent need for
South East states to set up internal security platforms to complement the
efforts of the military and other security agencies.”
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