Acting President Yemi Osibanjo Wednesday met five Governors of the South East, elders and other leaders of Thought.
The meeting came barely 48 hours after he met with Northern leaders, vowing that the Federal Government will deal with promoters of hate speech in the country.
The meeting with Igbo leaders is to discuss the recent spate of secessionist agitations rocking the country and ensure its unity
The Acting President urged leaders of South Eastern Nigeria to speak out against hate speeches very much capable of destabilizing the country.
He said he firmly believes that leaders ought to address issues bordering on agitation and proclamations urgently and decisively.
“Burying our heads in the sand and expecting the storm to blow over of their own accord is not an option” he said
The meeting is part of ongoing consultations sequel to threats of secession by Igbo groups such as the IPOB and the recent order by some northern youth group which gave Igbos three months to leave the North.
He also said it is his view that the role and responsibility of those privileged in the society to become leaders and chart a progressive and lofty course for the ordinary people.
“ As leaders, we carry the burden to secure the peace, progress and prosperity of our people, and that is why our voices ought to be heard and heard loud and clear at moments like this in the defense and articulation of what is truly beneficial to the nation and the people” he said
He reiterated the determination of the Federal Government not to allow anyone get away with hate speeches and divisive words, saying “our emotion should not be allowed to run wild so as to threaten the existence of anyone anywhere in Nigeria”
Some of those present at the meeting were Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, Governor of Enugu Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor of Ebonyi, David Umahi, Governor of Abia Okezie Ikpeazu and Governor of Anambra Willy Obiano as well as Imo governor, Rochas Okorocha, chief of staff to the president Abba Kyari, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, National Security Adviser, NSA, Babagana Monguno, the chief of Defence staff, service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, and ministers.
Others are former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Catholic Bishop of Awka, Okoye, Igwebike Onah Catholic archbishop of Nssuka, Joy Emordi and Viola Onwuliri.
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