…condemn worsening security situation in various parts of the region
The iNews Times reports that Igbo Youth Leaders in Southeast have called on Governors in the region to rise above political distractions and prioritize security with urgency or face collective rejection at the 2027 general elections.
The leaders gave the warning in Awka, Anambra state in a communique issued after a 2-day convention of the Youth Leaders and Stakeholders drawn from seven Igbo speaking states.
The communique was signed by the leader, Igbo Youth leaders and Stakeholders Assembly, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Convention Chairman of the Assembly, Mazi Bismark Oji and Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee, Uzoh Ifeanyi.
While condemning worsening security situation in various parts of the region, the leaders linked the ugly development to lingering socio-political grievances, marginalisation and certain government policies aggravating disenfranchisement of several Igbo youths.
The group called on community youth leaders in the area to heighten vigilance by collaborating with local vigilante groups and security agencies to checkmate threat to security in towns, farmlands or forests across the zone.
The leaders also called on nation’s Security Chiefs to issue immediate instructions to their field personnel to cease harassment and intimidation of innocent Igbo youths.
They rather canvassed for working alliance capable of fostering intelligence-sharing and coordinated response strategies to neutralize real threats from those bent on destabilizing the region.
“We call on all Governors in Igbo land to rise above political distractions, prioritize security with urgency and aggressively confront the hydra-headed monster of insecurity, or face collective rejection at the polls in 2027.
“Leadership must be felt in action in Ala-Igbo, and not in rhetorics. We encourage community policing in Ala-Igbo and build security synergy with their neighboring communities to ensure regional coordination in the ongoing war against insecurity.
“We encourage robust inter-community collaboration across borders to ensure a coordinated, grassroots-driven approach towards curbing insecurity,” they said.
The leaders however acknowledged “remarkable improvement” in security in Anambra State under Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, especially his heroic success in tackling the menace of Okite
which had misled several youths in the zone.
Appreciating President Bola Tinubu, for the constitution of the Boards of the various regional development commissions, the Igbo Leaders called on him to include more youths from the region in his various appointments.
“We appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the constitution of the Boards of the various regional development commissions.
“We respectfully request for the expansion of the various boards of the regional development commissions to ensure adequate representation of Igbo youths, whose talents, ideas, and entrepreneurial drive are vital to regional and national development.
“As patriotic Igbo Youths, we remain committed to a peaceful, united, and progressive Nigeria, where
equity, justice, and mutual respect reign. We stand for justice, inclusion, and national transformation.
“The Convention resolves and adopted Igbo Youth Leaders/Stakeholders Assembly as name for the Igbo Youth Leadership platform, with Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu as the leader.
