Governors of the South East states on Tuesday met in Enugu over the ongoing agitation for Biafra.
The meeting, which held at the Government House, Enugu, was attended by governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu, Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia, and Rochas Okorocha, Imo.
Anambra State was represented by the deputy governor, Nkem Okeke, while Ebonyi State was absent.
At the end of the meeting, which lasted about three hours, the governors resolved to consult ‘stakeholders’ in the South East over the ongoing agitation, which had led to mass protests in major cities in the zone.
Reading a communique signed by all the governors at a news conference, shortly after the closed-door meeting, Okorocha also said a high level meeting, to be attended by the governors, national assembly members and ministers from the South East, as well as other “invited stakeholders” would hold on Sunday.
The high level stakeholders meeting, which is to hold in Enugu, would equally deliberate on the pro-Biafra agitation.
Reading from the communique, Okorocha said, “The issue of MASSOB (Movement for the Actualization of Biafra) and IPOB (Indigenous Peoples of Biafra) was discussed.
“We resolved to consult widely with stakeholders including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, traditional rulers, religious bodies, town unions and others on how to ensure lasting peace in the zone.
“A meeting of stakeholders, including National Assembly members and ministers from the zone and other invited stakeholders will hold in Enugu on Sunday.”
The governors however urged the pro-Biafra agitators to embrace peace.
“Meanwhile, we have advised MASSOB and IPOB to toe the path of peace because that is the only way to ensure lasting peace in the zone,” Okorocha said.
The governors did not condemn, or approve, the ongoing agitation for Biafra, which was largely triggered by the detention of the leader of IPOB, and director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
