BY BEN UKA, ENUGU
The South East Advancement And Accountability Forum (SAAF) has raised concerns over the conspicuous silence of South East Governors and Ohaneze Ndigbo amidst the prevailing economic hardship affecting the region and the nation at large.
In a statement released in Enugu, signed by SAAF President, Emeka Offonry and Secretary, Kennedy Uche, the group highlighted the unusual quietness of key stakeholders in the South East in the face of mounting economic challenges.
SAAF emphasized the contrast with other regions where their leaders have vocally addressed the economic difficulties faced by their people.
“While we note the proactive stance taken by leaders in the North and South West, who have engaged President Bola Tinubu on these issues, we urge South East Governors and Ohaneze Ndigbo to similarly speak out on behalf of the people of the South East” part of the statement read.
The group stressed that it is the responsibility of South East leaders to alleviate the economic distress experienced by their people, attributing much of the hardship to the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Referring to concerns raised by Alhaji Yusuf, a former National Health Insurance Scheme Chief Executive, who expressed concern over subdued silence by the South East over economic hardship, SAAF expressed bewilderment over the silence of South East leaders while their people suffer.
It called for urgent action, urging Ohaneze Ndigbo to take the lead in convening a stakeholders’ meeting to address the pressing economic situation in the region.
The forum highlighted the level of insecurity in the South East, warning of dire consequences if the prevailing hunger in the land is left unattended.
“With rumours circulating about potential food shortages due to alleged directives from Northern governors, we emphasize the need for South East Governors to act swiftly to prevent the region from bearing the brunt of such measures”
“SAAF urge South East leaders to prioritize the twin challenges of hunger and insecurity, as we emphasize the importance of proactive measures to safeguard the welfare of the populace and mitigate the adverse effects of economic hardship” the statement stated.