The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged people in Nigeria’s South East to sustain peace and discourage youth involvement in armed struggle.
He made the appeal during a funeral in Enugu State, stressing that development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
“For Ndigbo, I want to plead with you to continue to maintain the peace and watch the youth of today. They don’t understand politics. They don’t understand development. You can only have development in an area of peace.
“A situation where you try to wrestle power and try to assert independence through armed struggle from the Federal Government will fail. State power will always overwhelm you,” Akpabio said.
He also assured that the National Assembly is open to legislative efforts that promote equity for the region.
“We are prepared as a parliament to make the right laws, to dot the i’s and cross the t’s in order for Ndigbo to have, at least, an additional state.
“So that they will also be equal to the other zones of the country. That is the promise we make and we stand by it.”
Akpabio emphasised that dialogue and peaceful engagement remain the best path forward.
“That is why even in terms of appointments, he has done his best to ensure that Ndigbo is not marginalised. But everything you want should be negotiated.
“I’m saying this to underscore the fact that through peaceful means and negotiation, we shall get our right of place in Nigeria.”
He also raised concerns about the economic impact of sit-at-home orders in the region.
“We need a solid base in Ndigbo land. I am not happy that the economy of Onitsha and Nigeria is affected by the so-called sit at home. It has affected your economy so badly.”
