The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has urged governors in the South-East to collaborate with grassroots town unions to address the rising insecurity in the region effectively.
ASITU emphasized that local town unions are best positioned to combat insecurity, as they have a deep understanding of their communities and can provide tailored solutions. The association called on the governors to form a joint security outfit with these unions to restore peace in the region.
Speaking on the issue, ASITU’s National President, Chief Emeka Diwe, noted that the organization had presented various strategies for tackling insecurity at multiple forums. He stressed that the current strategies lack effectiveness because they fail to incorporate the unique dynamics of local communities.
“We have consistently stated that any security strategy that does not reflect the peculiarities of the people will fail,” Diwe said. “A modernized, locally developed security system that integrates the ubiquitous town unions is the only way to significantly reduce insecurity in the South-East.”
Diwe also pointed out that a major source of unrest in the region is the ongoing detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He called for Kanu’s release as a step toward addressing the root causes of insecurity.
“Many of the insecurity challenges, including the sit-at-home orders and agitations for Biafra, stem from the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Diwe explained. “We’ve said before that the federal government should release him to us and then reassess the security situation in the South-East. It won’t cost them anything to do so.”
He urged the governors to rise above political considerations and sincerely engage with town unions to create effective security strategies. “The South-East governors must partner with the town unions and face the security challenges head-on. Playing politics with such a serious issue will only worsen the situation,” Diwe warned.
