By ANOLU VINCENT, Owerri

A group, Coalition of South- East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), has alleged that the South-East states are under political siege, a plan it said was meant to kill the idea of the zone producing the next president of the country in 2023.

According to the group, the political siege on the zone became obvious following harassment and intimidation of some political leaders in the zone by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

Mr Goodluck Ibem, President General of COSEYL disclosed this through a press statement he jointly signed with the Secretary of the group Kanice Igwe and made available to newsmen.

He said the recent sealing of a family property of former Abia State governor, Sen. T.A Orji and intimidation of notable political leaders from the zone by the EFCC was a clear indication of a claim that the zone was under siege.

He further stated that another prominent Igbo man, Sen. Orji Kalu was hurriedly tried and imprisoned, while some other prominent people from the zone are facing different kind of political harassment just to blacklist the zone’s presidential ambition.

Ibem said the war against Sen. T. A Orji would be viewed as a war declared against the zone, but however called on the people of the zone to rise against the political marginalisation.

He said COSEYL would organise a peaceful protest in each state of the zone against the alleged intimidation of Sen T.A Orji and others in the zone.

The group accused the Federal government for marginalising the zone during the Coronavirus induced lockdown when it distributed cash to other zones.

“The reason for this victimisation is not far from the 2023 presidential election and that is why they have touch-lighting every prominent personality in the zone,” the statement read. (Saturday Independent)

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