NSA’s delegation, Obiano meet over transfer of Boko Haram suspects to Ekwulobia

A meeting between the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano and a seven- man delegation from the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki yesterday  at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia has raised hopes that the controversy generated by the transfer of 47 Boko Haram suspects to Ekwulobia Prisons in Anambra State may be resolved soon.

The over two-hour-closed door meeting, at the instance of the Presidency following a passionate appeal by Obiano attracted highly respected senior citizens of the state, a source told The Guardian,.

According to the source, the parley attracted highly respected senior citizens of the state including the Obi of Onitsha, HRM, Igwe Nnemeka Achebe, the Igwe of Umuoji, HRH Cyril Enweze, the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. PaulinusOkafor, the Anglican Bishop of Awka, Rt. Rev. Dr. Alexander Ibezim, the Anambra State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) Apostle Theo Okpala, Akudolu Gozie, Coordinator South East Traders Association, Okwudili Ezenwankwo.

Also in attendance were the Nigeria Prisons Service authorities, Service Commanders, Civil society groups, President General Anambra Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (AMATAS) , Dr. Jude Okolo, heads of youth and women groups, among others across the region who have come out strongly against the transfer of the suspects from Chad to Ekwulobia.

Obiano who briefed newsmen immediately after the meeting, explained that the Presidency was fully aware of the strong feelings of Ndi Anambra and Ndi Igbo against the presence of the high risk prisoners and had given his assurance that they would soon be moved out of the state.

He noted that the delegation having been intimated with the facts, promised to inform the appropriate authorities, hence, the hope that the detainees will be taken out of Anambra soon.

The governor further assured people of the state of his commitment to securing their lives and property, noting that his administration has made remarkable progress in the area of attracting investments due to the relative peace and stability the state had enjoyed in recent times.

He called on them to maintain the peace and desist from anything that might lead to a disruption of the harmonious atmosphere that has enveloped the state in the past one year, further emphasizing that the matter would soon be over.

All markets in Anambra including Eke Awka, Onitsha main market, new parts, Eke Ekwulobia, Nkwo Nnewi among others were shut down, bringing commercial activities to a stand still all the day.

It will be recalled that 47 Boko Haram suspects and convicts were last month transferred to the Ekwulobia Prisons a development that had attracted demonstrations and verbal condemnation against the Federal Government’s Action.

The Guardian has reported that the transfer of the suspects had attracted protests and agitation by traders, market women, the South East Governors’ Forum, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Aka Ikenga, members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers and Association of Town Unions.