SOUTH EAST GOVERNORS PLAN JOINT AIR OPERATIONS, SAY AKANU IBIAM AIRPORT REHABILITATION TO BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER

The Southeast Governors say a joint air operation would be set up and inaugurated to flush out bandits in all forest in the zone.

The operations is also meant to restrain movement of cattle and herdsmen who move around with guns and other dangerous weapons.

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi who is the Chairman Southeast Governors Forum, revealed this to journalists while presenting a communique after a meeting held at the Government House, Enugu.

Chief Umahi noted that the Southeast Governors resolved that the move would address the security challenges in the zone and also mitigate the farmer/ herder clashes.

On the closure of the  Akanu Ibiam international Airport Enugu, the Governors expressed satisfaction with the rehabilitation program that would take place between now and December when work is expected to be completed on the runway and other facilities.

Chief Umahi said that the forum agreed to meet with President Buhari to tackle the security challenges in the region and also set up joint security committee to partner security chiefs in the region for safety of citizens.

Also, the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika Abubakar, appealed to the people of the South East to exercise patience with the ongoing reconstruction work at the runway and other facilities at the Akanu Ibiam International Aairport, noting that the work would be concluded before the end of December.

The Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, his counterpart in Imo State, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, who is joining his counterparts for the first time since he became governor and the Abia State Deputy Governor, Mr. Udeoko Chukwu attended the meeting.

Others that participated in the meeting were the heads of security agencies in the zone and the President General Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo.

CHUKWUMA EZEOGU