The South-East caucus of the Senate and the House of Representatives Sunday condemned attacks and continuous killings in the South East geo-political zone of the country.
In a statement, the National lawmakers said that they were surprised that these are taking place in the zone against the backdrop that the Igbos are not known to kill or waste lives, adding that the people of the South East are not known for this unfortunate violent disposition, no matter the provocation.
According to them, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Usman Baba should immediately dig deep in his investigations to unravel the actual identities of these unknown gunmen who are determined to create a state of anarchy in the Southeast.
The statement was signed by for Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu for Enugu State, Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe for Abia State; Sen. Sam Egwu for Ebonyi State; Sen. Frank Ibezim for Imo State and Sen. Stella Oduah for Anambra State.
Others are Hon Toby Okechukwu Enugu State;; Hon Nkiruka Onyejiocha Abia State; Hon Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu Anambra State; Hon Jerry Alagboso Imo State and Hon Sylvester Ogbaga Ebonyi State.
The statement read, “We, the South-East Caucus of the NASS, as leaders and major stakeholders in the region, have observed with surprise the sudden spike in violence in the region known for its calm, love and peaceful disposition to visitors irrespective of tribe and religion.
“We have had cause always to deploy the instrumentalities of the institution of state to alert the government of Nigeria about some of the vexed issues of injustice, inequity and obvious marginalisation of the South East in governance structure. Nonetheless, we have not lost hope that the authorities will eventually do the right thing for the continued peaceful coexistence of all people in a united Nigeria.
“However, we are worried over recent developments in the South East, which has thrown the zone into violence and confusion.
“Igbos are not known to kill or waste lives. Igbos are not known for this unfortunate violent disposition, no matter the provocation.
“We note the increasing agitation for restructuring of Nigeria and increasing separatist agitations across the country due to perceived and real issues of marginalisation. On these issues, we, the leaders across-board, have consistently cautioned that such agitations must be strictly in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and must be peaceful and devoid of violence.
“The Southeast Caucus of NASS commiserates with all who have lost loved ones, friends and colleagues in these unfortunate incidents and trust that our great country is resilient enough to weather and survive the current challenges confronting it.
“We therefore condemn in its totality the attack on the security personnel and their formations, particularly on the police, INEC, courts and correctional facilities. It is unacceptable and must never for whatever reason be condoned.
“We urge the Inspector General of Police to dig deep in his investigations to unravel the actual identities of these unknown gunmen determined to create a state of anarchy in the Southeast.
“The investigation has become necessary in the circumstance because of the magnitude of the attacks. More so as the region had not witnessed such in the past.
“We advise the security agencies to continue to show restraint in the discharge of its mission to restore peace in the Southeast. Security operatives must remember, at all times, that the majority of Igbos are opposed to any form of violence in furtherance of any cause.”
