A delegation from the Federal Government and leaders from the South-East, on Friday, met behind closed doors to discuss insecurity and other issues affecting the region.
The meeting comes less than 24 hours after the President, Major General Muhammdu Buhari (retd.), threatened tougher military sanctions against secessionists.
In the meeting that lasted several hours at the Enugu State Government House, the South-East leaders aired several grievances affecting the region, including marginalisation and attacks by herders. The Federal Government’s delegation was led by the Defence Minister, Major General Bashir Magashi (retd).
Magashi admitted that the herder crisis should be treated as a national issue, noting that the leadership of the South-East and the Federal Government would engage in discussion on the complaints of the leaders of the zone.
Responding on behalf of the South-East leaders, the Chairman, South-East Governors’ Forum, Chief David Umahi, commended the delegation, describing it as a new dawn for the country.
The Ebonyi State governor said, “Our people are very much excited with this commitment and we are very much satisfied. It is a new dawn, not only in the South-East, but also in entire Nigeria.
Umahi stressed that “the Ebubeagu security outfit is the only recognized local security outfit in the South-East,” adding “no other security outfit is speaking for South-East and this is the position of Ndigbo.”
He said the South-East people were committed to a united Nigeria where justice, fairness, equality of freedom and equity are guaranteed.
