Orba Newbreed Association (ONA), Enugu has attributed the recent spate of assassinations in the state to be the handiwork foreigners with the sole aim of destabilizing the state for political gains.
The group argued that the act is alien to the lifestyle of Enugu people stressing that the peaceful dispositions of the Governor, Rt. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is the target of these fifth columnists that aren’t happy with the successes recorded by the administration.
This is contained in a Communique issued by ONA after their Emergency Meeting in Enugu.
The communique which was signed by the Chairman, Engr. Onyema Odo and the Director publicity, Dr. Hyginus Eze also thanked the Governor for rising to the challenge and also appreciated all the security agencies for the efforts in containing the situation and also thanked Ndi Enugu for their steadfastness.
While condemning the action in its entirety, ONA enjoined the public to always provide valuable and timely information to the necessary authorities to curtail the act.
The communique reads:
“Following the killings in Enugu of Ifeanyi Okeke on July 4, 2021 and Prof. Samuel Ndubuisi on July 7, 2021, Orba Newbreed Association, Enugu had an emergency meeting on Thursday, July 8, 2021 to review and discuss some of the recent happenings, especially as they pertain to security in the State. Our discussions and resolutions are as follows:
“We noted that in the past six years since Ugwuanyi assumed office as the Governor of Enugu State, the State has maintained first position as the most peaceful State in Nigeria. We are well aware that the serenity in Enugu State is not incidental, rather it is a peace strategy that combines infrastructural development with human capital development and job creation. Equally, Ugwuanyi’s humble disposition to power, his fellowship with all and sundry has a calming effect on the polity. Indeed we feel blessed to be gifted with a man whose personal virtue and outstanding performance in office have distinguished him as a Golden Lampstand in our Nation. But we are also aware that not everyone is happy with Ugwuanyi’s extraordinary success. The assassinations of Ifeanyi Okeke and Prof. Simon Ndubuisi jolted the State because such incidents are rare in our dear State. We are convinced that people who perpetrated such reprehensible crimes are not Enugu indigenes, but outsiders sponsored to destabilise the State for political reasons. We condemn violence in all its ramifications, and warn those involved in these detestable acts to desist.
“That Ugwuanyi places priority on the security of lives and properties is well-known to all and sundry. The Committee expressed deep gratitude to the Governor for immediately taking charge of the situation by convoking a security meeting, and thereafter even leading security agents to the bushes suspected to be the hide-outs of the misfits. The fact that Ugwuanyi himself would set aside his personal security considerations, and lead the battle to the bushes is a clear message to the miscreants that they have no hiding place. Ugwuanyi has shown exceptional ability to secure lives and properties, and we want to assure him that we cherish the peace he bestowed on the State. So, our confidence in him is as high as ever. In view of this, we unanimously send our dear Governor a message of appreciation, goodwill and support. We would like to assure him that we are with him as he confronts the present challenge. We are also grateful to Taoreed Lagbaja, the GOC of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, and Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu, Enugu State Commissioner of Police, and other Security Heads in the State for the effective measures they have taken so far to deal with the situation, and we urge them to keep the heat on the criminals until the State is rid of them.
“We are thankful to the good people of Enugu State for their steadfast love and unremitting support for our Governor. Collaboration between the people and security agents is crucially important at a time like this. Therefore, we enjoin the good people of Enugu State to continue to commit themselves to the progress of the State, and to cooperate with security agents by volunteering information that can assist in tracking down the criminals in the State.
“God bless Nigeria! God bless Enugu State! God bless Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi!”
