Keyamo: Igbo Elite Shouldn’t Be Blamed for Escalating Violence in South-east

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Former Minister of State, Labour and Productivity, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN) yesterday maintained that the current violence in the South-east should not be blamed on Igbo elders.

He stated on his Twitter handle that it was understandable that many of the Igbo elite were nọr speaking up because of their personal safety and the safety of their families.

“I think it is time to call a spade, a spade: the simple reason the elites in the South-east are finding it difficult to speak out against those killing and dehumanising their own people in the East is the fear of reprisal attacks against their own properties and family members back home by these ‘unknown gunmen’.

“I have spoken to my friends privately and they have admitted this much. Let’s not put unnecessary pressure on these elites. It’s a difficult situation for them. Their silence does not mean support for what is happening there,” the former minister of state of the Niger Delta ministry added.

Keyamo stated that it is the responsibility of the federal government to restore law and order in all parts of the country, adding that he was absolutely certain the government of President Bola Tinubu will do it.

“Besides, we cannot isolate a region and its elites in a country where we see ourselves as one. It is our collective responsibility to assist the FG in restoring order nationwide.

“The only thing I ask is that these same elites must either now be silent or totally support the efforts of the federal government (be it military or otherwise) in restoring order to that region.

“ When they initially kicked against operation ‘PYTHON DANCE’ in the East, little did they know that the situation would degenerate to this level of savagery. Now, they know,” he added.