Former Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo, has urged Nigerians to assist President Bola Tinubu in restoring law and order to the South East.
Reacting to the recent spike in attacks by ‘unknown gunmen’ in communities in the South East, the former minister decried the rate of killings and dehumanization in the region.
“I think it is time to call a spade a spade,” he said in a Twitter post.
“The simple reason the elites in the South East are finding it difficult to speak out against those killing and dehumanizing their own people in the South 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. It is the responsibility of the federal government to restore law and order in all parts of the country, and this I am absolutely certain the government of President Tinubu will do.
“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 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 Python Dance’ in the South East, little did they know that the situation would degenerate to this level of savagery. Now they know,” Keyamo said.