*Crisis Has Far Reaching Impact On Region
*Unity, Mutual Trust Panacea To Southeast’s Woes
As the Southeast Economic Summit kicks off in Owerri, Imo State, Peter Obi, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election has tasked leaders of the region to come together and speak up on ways to end the “embarrassing insecurity in the region.”
The LP standard bearer whose message was aired to the summit, also urged “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 explained that security is key to any economic activities and therefore wants all hands on deck to stem the rising insecurity in the area.
Obi’s message further 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.
In the message, Obi commended the Southeast Governors for being thoughtful in organizing the summit and apologized for his absence despite being duly invited due to an inevitable earlier scheduled engagement outside the country.
“This summit which is focusing merely on security and its economic impact on the Southeast 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.
The former Anambra state Governor 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.”
