Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has said South East Governors are working round the clock to ensure the return of the father of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eze I. O. Kanu, who has not been seen following the military invasion of his community last year.
Eze Kanu is also the traditional ruler of Afaraukwu Ibeku Autonomous community in Abia state.
“Eze Ibeawuchi can tell some of the efforts the government made to prevent the invasion of the community. I was outside the country when the crises started on a Sunday and returned immediately to take charge in the hope of preventing the escalation of the crises. We went as far convening an emergency meeting of traditional rulers to help persuade the military not to engage the unarmed youth.
“We had to impose curfew to de-escalate the situation and moved in to ensure that those who were injured were treated.
“The South East Governors as a body is doing its best to ensure that Eze Kanu is re-united with his community. Your traditional rulers will go with me to meet other South East governors and we will work to ensure that Eze Kanu does not spend the New Year outside his domain.”
Governor Ikpeazu gave the assurance at the Government House in Umuahia during a visit by the people of Afaraukwu Ibeku.
The governor reiterated that the Government of Abia State was never consulted by the Federal Government before carrying out the operation that led to the invasion of Afaraukwu community last year by the military.
The governor described the people of Afaraukwu as reliable allies and partners in progress, assuring that they would always receive special attention in terms of development projects, empowerment and employment as host community of Government House.
He thanked them for their prayers and support, and assured that the Trinity college road will be completed soon while work will resume at the Afara Ring road.
He said that fund has been released for the electrification of major roads and street within Orieogwu market to ensure the extension of trading time.
In his address, the President General of Afaraukwu Development Union, Chief J. C. Ezebuiro, applauded the governor for his developmental strides and assured him of the support of the community in his re-election bid.
He also informed the Governor of the resolve of the community to support his re-election bid because of his good performance, equity and good governance.
“Talking about security, you have been uncompromising; in education Abia is setting the pace, in infrastructure you have set a standard and under your watch Abia has returned back to her lost glory in Agriculture, the state has also become indomitable in Sports,” he said.
He recalled “the grief and psychological trauma which the people are going through as a result of the sad event of September 2017, when the military unleashed mayhem on our community, coupled with the sudden disappearance of our foremost Traditional Ruler, HRM Eze Sir I. O. Kanu, The Egwu Ukwu II of Afaraukwu. We believe that the Governor being a true son of Igboland will know what to do in order to reunite our traditional ruler with our community.”
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