I Want Peace To Return To South East Before I Die – Amechi

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, has revealed that stakeholders in the South East are doing everything possible to find a solution to the insecurity in the region.

Amechi stated that one of the ways of addressing the killings and violence in the South-East was the recent visit of Igbo leaders to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa.

The elder statesman stated that all he wants is for peace to return to the South-East before he dies, calling on criminals in the region to give peace a chance.

He made the disclosure to newsmen on Thursday in Abakalili after meeting with Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi and Chairman of South-East Governors.

Amechi disclosed that he was in Ebonyi state to brief the governor about the outcome of the meeting between some Igbo leaders and the President.

The former parliamentarian added that he was in the state to seek the governors’ support in an effort to find peace and true reconciliation.

He said: “A few days ago I led a small delegation of selected Igbo leaders to see the President of Nigeria on the growing tempo of violence in Nigeria, especially in the South East.

“The President was happy to receive our delegation and our discussion was frank, sincere and all targeted at finding peace and true reconciliation. We are expecting a positive result.

“I have come to Ebonyi State to brief the Governor who is the Chairman of South-East Governors, and seek their support in our effort to find peace.”

The Igbo leader condemned the gruesome killing of two policemen in Anambra State, calling those involved to stop the heinous crime and allow peace to reign in the South East.

He said: “I am deeply worried and pained by the spate of violence to which some Policemen and Civilians were killed. I am appealing to all who may be involved in these crimes to please ceasefire and give peace a chance.

“Whether they are of IPOB or MASSOB or known or unknown or agents of any organ or personality to stop it now.

“You can never achieve peace s or reconciliation through violence. As the only surviving member of the Government of the First Republic, I appeal to all to respect my age and let me help to make peace before returning to my Maker.”