Awka – A pressure group in the Nigeria’s Southeastern region, Concerned Igbo Stakeholders Forum (CISF), has over the weekend condemned in strong terms, the absence of four South-East governors at the Southern Governors’ Forum meeting held in Enugu on Thursday.
Engr Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, were visibly absent at the meeting, where far-reaching decisions were made on recent developments as it concerns the region.
Only the host, Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was present at the meeting.
The governors’ absence at the Enugu meeting, has sparked serious criticism from among the people as a clear act of sabotage against the region.
Reacting to the development in a chat with newsmen in Enugu, the leader of the CISF, Mr Chukwuma Okenwa, maintained that there was no justifiable reason that would be enough for the governors to be absent in a meeting of such magnitude.
According to Okenwa, it was wrong particularly coming at a time when the region is battling socio-economic and security concerns stemming from the sit-at-home order issued by the proscribed separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“The absence of the governors of Abia, Ebonyi, Imo and Anambra States leaves a lot to question the commitment of these governors to the growth and advancement of the South-East in missing a crucial meeting held within their geopolitical zone,” he said.
He described as very disturbing, the conspicuous absence of the Anambra Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, or a representative from the state at the meeting.
Okenwa further said the body language of the South-East governors in recent times, leaves no one in doubt that the governors have placed their interest above that of the region and Ndi-Igbo in general.
“Their gaze at the forthcoming elections in 2023 is becoming an unbearable distraction for them in delivering their mandate to the people,” he said.
He beckoned on Ndi-Igbo, regardless of political party affiliation, to unite and formidably negotiate a favourable space in the political scheme of things.
“This, when done, will ensure an unhindered growth and development of all Igbos,” he said.
