Jonathan Nwokpor
Professionals from the Southeast have urged the European Union (EU) and the Finnish government to start the process of repatriating Simon Ekpa right away.
Prominent sons and daughters of the Southeast have stated that Ekpa deserves to be returned to Nigeria since he has persisted in undermining Nigeria’s honour and reputation.
Additionally, they denounced the unnecessary sit-at-home order that was imposed by the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the security wing of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and other suspected members. They claimed that the action had continued to negatively impact the socioeconomic well-being of the people.
Under the auspices of the Coalition of South East Professionals Network in Nigeria and Diaspora (CSEPNND), the key players stated that the secessionists’ actions had not only resulted in the deaths of innocent people but have also caused ongoing hardship for diligent Igbo enterprises.
About two weeks ago, the professionals denounced the killing of troops at a military checkpoint in Aba, Abia State, and urged the authorities to take all legal measures to capture the assassins and their supporters and bring them all to justice.
In a statement signed on Wednesday by Dr. Chioma Maduka, Coordinator, Women Wing; Prof. O.C. Madumere, National President; and Mazi Uche Igbokwe, National Secretary, the professionals expressed their viewpoint.
The group, which is made up of intellectuals, politicians, businesspeople, and other well-known indigenous people, praised Operation Udo Ka’s ongoing kinetic and non-kinetic actions while pleading with South Easterners, both at home and abroad, to assist the military in eliminating the criminal elements that are causing fear in the area.
The statement is as follows: “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 a negative effect on the socioeconomic 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 its 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 the 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 Simon Ekpa, who has continued to instigate violence from his hiding place while disparaging the Nigerian state.”
Political authorities in the region, particularly governors, federal and state legislators, and ministers, have been urged by the CSEPNND with emphasizing the urgent need to assist the military in its efforts to reestablish peace and order throughout the South East geopolitical entity.
The statement said, “We are, by this statement, challenging our political office holders, especially governors, senators, members of the 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 an urgent need for South East states to set up internal security platforms to complement the efforts of the military and other security agencies.”
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