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The South East community’s prominent figures have come together to denounce the counterproductive Sit-at-Home order, enforced by suspected IPOB and ESN radicals, highlighting its debilitating effects on the region’s economic and social growth.
The Coalition of South East Professionals Network in Nigeria and Diaspora (CSEPNND) lamented that the reckless antics of secessionist groups have not only claimed the lives of innocent, industrious Igbo citizens but also crippled businesses, perpetuating economic hardship.
The group vehemently condemned the brutal murder of soldiers at a military checkpoint in Aba, Abia State, just two weeks prior, demanding that authorities exhaust all legal means to identify, apprehend, and bring to justice the perpetrators and their accomplices.
They pressed the Finnish authorities and the EU to activate the necessary legal protocols to facilitate the extradition and repatriation of Simon Ekpa, a fugitive who has persistently sought to denigrate Nigeria’s image and erode its dignity.
The professionals’ statement, issued on Wednesday, bore the signatures of Prof O.C Madumere (national president), Mazi Uche Igbokwe (national secretary), and Dr (Mrs) Chioma Maduka (Women’s Wing coordinator), clearly outlining their collective stance.
Read also: ‘Otti Never Supported IPOB’s Sit-At-Home’ – Abia Govt
A cross-section of South Eastern leaders, including intellectuals, politicians, entrepreneurs, and prominent figures, has applauded Operation Udo Ka’s multifaceted approach to addressing the region’s security challenges. The group is now appealing to South Easterners worldwide to unite behind the military’s efforts to eliminate criminal elements and foster a culture of peace and stability.
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 negative effect on the socio-economic 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 it’s 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 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 Ekpa, who has continued to instigate violence from his hiding place, while disparaging the Nigerian State”.
As the South East region grapples with insecurity, the CSEPNND is calling on political heavyweights to step up and support the military’s peacekeeping efforts. The group is urging governors, federal and state legislators, and ministers to put aside partisan differences and work together to restore order in the troubled region.
The group has thrown its weight behind the Military High Command, led by General Christopher Musa, with a resounding vote of confidence. This move underscores the military’s effective leadership and strategic approach to tackling the region’s security challenges.
The statement concluded thus: “We are, by this statement, challenging our political office holders, especially Governors, Senators, members of 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 the urgent need for South East states to set up internal security platforms, to complement the efforts of the military and other security agencies.
“We will not conclude without commending the untiring efforts made by the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ogalla, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Hassan, to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty against violation”.
