Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has told leaders of the South-east region that security is key to any economic activity, saying all hands must be on deck to stem the rising insecurity in the area.
Obi in a message he sent to the South East Summit on Economy and Security in Owerri, Imo State capital, noted that the summit is coming at the auspicious time given the disturbing insecurity in the region which has far-reaching implications to the socio-economic and political development in the geopolitical zone.
He commended the South-east governors for being thoughtful in organising the summit and apologised for his absence due to an inevitable earlier scheduled engagement outside the country despite being duly invited.
The former governor of Anambra State urged the leaders to come together and speak up on the ways to end the embarrassing insecurity in the region.
“This summit which is focusing merely on security and its economic impact on the South-east has come at the most auspicious time. It’s very necessary that as a people we come together, and put our heads together to find a lasting solution to this problem of insecurity in our homeland.
“Our mainstay as a people is business, no business and indeed any other economic activity would thrive amid insecurity.
“If we put our minds to it and work in unity and mutual trust, we will find a way out of this problem that is alien to us.
“Let me therefore commend Your Excellencies, the governors of the South-east for initiating the idea of the summit and working together to make this a reality.
“Let me urge everyone at this summit and those of us who are unable to attend in person to speak up, contribute ideas, and be part of the initiatives or actions that would be agreed upon at this summit to bring an end to the problem of insecurity in our region.”
He finally prayed for “God to guide us, grant us the wisdom, strength, and courage to take the necessary steps to end insecurity in our homeland so that we can continue to work with our God-given talent and energy to restore peace, tranquility in the South-east and indeed our dear country Nigeria.”
