The South-South, South-East Governors’ Forum has re-affirmed its support for the indivisibility of the country, urging those threatening Nigerians with quit notice to desist forthwith.

The Chairman, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, flanked by Governors Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Rochas Okorocha (Imo) briefed the press after their meeting yesterday in Owerri.

He said that the unity of the country was not negotiable but it was important to maintain fairness, justice and equity as a country.

“We remain committed to the unity and indivisibility of our polity and we assure all the residents of the regions of their safety at all times. Let me at this point commend the efforts of the security agencies for the improved security in our region. We hope to increase and sustain oil production for the best interest of the nation even though our revenue is yet to reflect the improved increase in oil prices,” Emmanuel said.

“We are worried about the state of the nation which has given rise to agitations from all over the country and the issue of justice, fairness and equity which many believe are in deficit in our country,” Emmanuel further said. He stressed that the forum identified infrastructure and unjustifiable lack of federal presence in the regions as issues that needed to be addressed urgently.

The Forum commended leaders in the North and South East for their patriotism in ensuring that the country remains united by wading into the issue to douse the tension and maintained peace. It said: “As leaders we owe our people the moral responsibility of ensuring that they are not only protected physically but that their interest are protected as well by all of us, Let me register my appreciation and the forum to all those whose contributions led to the setting aside of the Igbo quit notice issued by some misguided youths in the North to the Igbos residing in that region. That such quit notice was disregarded and put aside is a proof that Nigerians are still willing to co-exist peacefully with one another.

“We are hopeful that this will be the last time that a person or any group of persons will make any statement or take any action that will suggest that any part of this country is a no go area for any Nigerian.”

In a brief welcome address, the host Governor, Rochas Okorocha, commended his colleagues for the development in the regions stating that the forum was to discuss issues of security, infrastructural and resource development.

Earlier in a thanksgiving service by the governors, Okowa stated that Nigerians should look up to God in these challenging times and pray earnestly for peace and unity.

•Photo shows, from left; Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Governor of Akwa-Ibom, Emmanuel Udom; Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and Bayelsa State Governor, Sariake Dickson.

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