From Chidi Nnadi, Enugu
Leaders of the South-east yesterday met in Enugu to discuss burning issues in the country, particularly those of common interest to the region.
The leaders Sunday Sun gathered decided to meet to forge a common front after their meeting with the acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo recently in Aso Rock Abuja, where issues of the quit notice served on the Igbo in the North by Arewa youths, Biafra agitation and clamour for restructuring were placed on the front burner.
The event tagged South-east Stakeholders meeting started in the night at Nike Lake hotel and had all the governors of the zone, members of the National Assembly, traditional and religious leaders, business moguls and other top politicians in attendance.
The South-east governors with some members of the National Assembly had earlier met at the Enugu Government House before coming to Nike Lake for the one-day interactive parley, which started late and lasted into the night.
In his welcome address, host Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said that “moments like this in history call for unity and statesmanship.
“I therefore call on Ndigbo to unite and love themselves. I call on our leaders to exhibit the highest standards of statesmanship in confronting the problems at hand.”
Some of the leaders at meeting included Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Willie Obiano (Anambra), Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, Senator Gil Nnaji, former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Adolphus Wabara, Ohanaeze President General, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, Senator Ben Obi, Chief Chekwas Okorie, former Ohanaeze President General, Chief Gary Igariwey, among many others.