FG condemns the call on herdsmen to quit southeast

Ogbonnaya Onu

The Federal Government has condemned the call by individuals and groups in the south-east geo political zone on the herdsmen to leave the region.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu stated this on Sunday  while addressing newsmen on the outcome of All Progressives Congress (APC) South-East stakeholders meeting at Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

He said the call is uncalled for and asked the should exercise patience as President Muhammadu Buhari has directed relevant agencies to take appropriate actions against attacks and killings by suspected herdsmen.

“This situation is not pleasing to anybody but the Federal Government is desirous to achieve a peaceful, strong and united nation.

“The government appeals to south-easterners especially youths, not to take laws into their hands as a result of the development.

“The people should exercise patience, as the president has categorically condemned the herdsmen’s actions and directed that no effort should be spared in checking the situation.

“The Ibos are known globally to be peace loving and abhorrers of violence, as I enjoin them to maintain such virtue,” he said.

The minister said that the meeting involved elected APC leaders, national leaders, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and other stakeholders from the zone.

“We discussed ways of consolidating on the party's achievements and making it stronger because we want to start winning elections in the zone.

“We also discussed the disputed issue of state chairmanship of the party, as it will be resolved very soon,” he said.
Onu also urged Nigerians to be patient with the president on the issue of 2016 budget assent, noting that he wanted to get things right.

“The president made promises to the nation; to ensure adequate security for the citizens, rapidly develop the economy, check unemployment, ensure the observance of the rule of law, among others.

“The budget estimate reflected all these promises but what was returned to the president did not conform with his intentions.

“He then demonstrated his resolve to ensure that things are done correctly, as continuing with the old ways of doing things has visible and dire effects,” he said.