stakeholders to advise youths in the region to desist from making
inflammatory statements that could heat up the polity.
The forum made the call on Thursday in Abakaliki, in a statement signed by Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi, its Chairman.
The statement was in reaction to an ultimatum by 16 Northern youth
associations, demanding that Igbos resident in the north leave before
Oct. 1.
The groups also urged Northern residents in the South-East to return to the north within the period.
The governors said that they had carefully considered the contents of
the ultimatum and reflected on its implications for Igbos specifically
and Nigeria as a viable and sovereign nation.
“The lives and properties of law-abiding citizens of Igbo extraction are
as precious as the lives and properties of all Nigerians, irrespective
of the region of their abode within this republic.
“Their lives and properties must be guaranteed and defended against all
forms of threat both domestic and external by security forces and
agencies,“ the governors said.
They said they were collaborating with security agencies to ensure the
safety of all law-abiding Nigerian resident in the zone, including
northerners.
The governor urged Igbos in the north to go about their lawful businesses without fear of intimidation or molestation.
They thanked the Federal Government, the Senate President, Dr Bukola
Saraki, Northern States Governors’ Forum and security agencies for
speaking against the ultimatum.
“We have repeatedly reiterated our commitment and preference for the
existence of a virile, united, prosperous and peaceful Nigeria where
justice, fairness, equity, mutual respect among others will reign
supreme,” the governors stressed.
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