By CHARLES IWUOHA

Governors of the South-East geo-political zone of the country comprising Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Willie Obiano (Anambra), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and David Umahi of Ebonyi State have disassociated themselves from the statement credited to the leader of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu on the ENDSARS crisis.

Umahi, Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, made the disassociation at the Government House Abakaliki on Thursday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of their virtual meeting on the ENDSARS protests across the country.

He disclosed that the governors appealed to Nigerian youths of Igbo extraction to stay off the protests and embrace peace.

According to him, “We condemn the video circulating in the Social Media alluding to Nnamdi Kanu’s claim on destruction of assets by ENDSARS protesters (which he has denied).

“We condemn the attempt to drag the Igbos in the ENDSARS protests. We make bold to say that Nnamdi Kanu does not speak for the Igbos.”

The governors condemned the shooting of protesters at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos and called for speedy investigation to bring the culprits to justice.

The South-East Governors acknowledged the efforts of President Muhammad Buhari in addressing the five-point demand of the protesters.

They called on leaders at various levels to do everything possible to maintain peace in their various domains.

The governors assured all residents of the South-East of their safety, insisting that political leaders must guarantee the safety of every resident in their domain.

“We commend the security agencies for their maturity in handling the ENDSARS protesters, we know it is not possible for a security man to have his gun and somebody comes and disarm him to collect his gun,” the governors said.

They further appealed to security agencies to exercise patience in handling the prevailing circumstances.