The Nigerian Senate has initiated a fresh push to tackle the escalating security crisis in the South-East region, convening a crucial stakeholders' meeting in Enugu on November 21, 2025.
Key Stakeholders Gather Amid Governor Absence
Despite broad participation from various sectors, the summit witnessed a notable absence as no South-East governor attended or sent representatives to the critical security dialogue. Organizers provided no explanation for the governors' non-participation in the event convened under the Senate's National Security Summit framework.
The gathering brought together an extensive cross-section of regional stakeholders, including federal lawmakers, traditional rulers, Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership, military and paramilitary agencies, local council chairmen, town union leaders, religious organizations, youth groups, farmers, traders, and vigilante operatives.
Urgent Call to Address Regional Trauma
Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, Austin Akobundu, the Coordinator of the South-East security event, emphasized the critical nature of the security situation. He described a region grappling with multiple challenges including killings, economic stagnation, school disruptions, and declining communal life that demand immediate and sincere intervention.
"The whole communities are traumatised and displaced, farmlands abandoned, schools disrupted, with grave socioeconomic consequences, including spikes in poverty, hunger and illiteracy," Akobundu stated, painting a grim picture of the region's current state.
Balancing Security with Root Cause Solutions
While condemning violent agitations in the region, the Senate representative acknowledged that underlying issues such as inequity, marginalisation, unemployment and poverty must be confronted "headlong" to effectively resolve the security crisis. He maintained that "violence solves nothing and can never be a pathway to self-determination."
Akobundu praised South-East governors for their "uncommon grit" in confronting insecurity and assured participants that the Senate would act on recommendations emerging from the summit. This includes potential amendments or repeals of existing laws and enactment of new legislation to strengthen national security architecture.
The event also featured recognition of security personnel operating in the region, with Akobundu affirming that "Your sacrifices will never be forgotten. The Senate takes your welfare seriously."
Uche Ugwu, Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, characterized the summit as a vital opportunity for the South-East to "listen, understand and suggest solutions in line with realities on the ground," highlighting the importance of context-specific approaches to resolving the security challenges.
