By CHARLES IWUOHA

Ebonyi State governor, Engr. David Umahi, has expressed concern over the continuous crumbling economic activities and development in the South East due to the activities of unknown Gunmen in the region.

Governor Umahi expressed the concern during the ground-breaking ceremony of computer village estate, Abakaliki, by the Ebonyi State Government, in collaboration with the Association of Computer Village Merchants of Nigeria.

Umahi who is also the Chairman South East Governors’ Forum, noted that many businesses were closing shop in the South East, stating that since the commencement of the activities of the unknown Gunmen, people now prefer to take their business to other regions of the country.

He noted that the Igbos were the enemies to themselves, pointing out that until the activities of the gunmen were halted, the region would continue to suffer economic deprivation and stagnation.

Governor Umahi called for concerted efforts towards bringing to an end, such inhuman treatment against Igbos by the gunmen, adding that he has met with President Mohammed Buhari towards having a political solution to the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

He said that those insisting on continuous sit-at-home order, should also ensure that the sit-at-home should not be restricted to the five South East states, but to all Igbos across the country and across the globe so they should also sit at home each time it was declared.

The Governor called on Ndigbo to always come back home to invest, adding that such investments would not only develop the region but will boost the economic fortunes of the region.

The state government, during the ground-breaking ceremony, also allocated 2.5 hectares of land opposite the International Market, Abakaliki to the Association of Computer Village Merchants of Nigeria for the establishment of a replica of computer village, Ikeja, Lagos State, in the Ebonyi.

Umahi said that the essence of the partnership was to create job opportunities, enhance economic development of the state and to bring about a more viable economy that would increase the revenue growth of the state.

The President, Association of Computer Village Merchants of Nigeria, Mr. Anthony Nwakaeze, said that when the Village is completed, the association would embark on development of softwares and artificial intelligence.

Mr. Nwakaeze said that the association would also carry out its social responsibilities and commended the State government for allocating the land to them.