Anyim to Igbo leaders: Dialogue with agitators in south-east to address demands

Anyim Pius Anyim, a former senate president and ex-secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), has asked Igbo leaders to dialogue with separatist groups wreaking havoc in the region.

Anyim offered the advice on Thursday at the south-east economic and security summit in Owerri, the Imo state capital.

Anyim, who hails from Ebonyi, said “robust” discussions with the agitators will generate lasting solutions to the spate of insecurity plaguing the geopolitical zone.

Groups like the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have been agitating for secession from Nigeria over alleged marginalisation.

Insecurity in the south-east has worsened in recent months with gunmen attacking residents every other week.

“Yet, the circumstances which led to the Nigerian civil war in 1967 appeared not to be the same with the current agitation by these separatist groups,” Anyim said.

“This is why the leaders of the south-east should look inward by bringing the agitators closer to actually understand their yearnings.

“The leaders should come out openly and make a strong statement in order to douse the tension rather than turning deaf ears to the activities of the agitators.

“I fear that sooner than later, south-east may lose political relevance and may no longer be favourable for any electoral exercise due to insecurity.

“This is the time to put an end to this menace and return the land to its peaceful and harmonious state.”

Anyim asked political and traditional leaders in the south-east to state their positions clearly without politicising same, in a bid to ensure that normalcy returns to the region.