The South-East Leaders Assembly has warned against any attempt to alter the existing territorial configuration of the South-East through political negotiations or arrangements reached without the consent of affected communities.

The group, which described the issue as a matter of territorial integrity and the collective interest of the people, said no community historically associated with the South-East should be transferred, reassigned or ceded through what it termed “political manipulation.”

In a resolution signed by its Coordinator-General, Hon. Kenneth Oti, and made available to journalists by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Prince Decson, the assembly said any move to redraw boundaries or alter the status of communities in the region must follow due constitutional process.

The leaders insisted that communities whose ancestral homes and interests could be affected by any proposed restructuring must be directly consulted before decisions are taken.

“Let it be absolutely clear: the people of the South-East will not accept political decisions imposed over their heads,” the group stated.

It urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other legitimate stakeholders in the region to immediately assume what it described as their constitutional responsibility by ensuring that the interests and wishes of affected communities were properly established and respected.

According to the assembly, no alliance, political coalition, negotiation or “backroom arrangement” should determine the future of communities without transparent consultation and the involvement of the people directly concerned.

The group said: “Our position is simple and unequivocal: no territory belonging to or historically associated with the South-East should be surrendered, transferred or reassigned through political manipulation.”

It also called on residents of the region to remain vigilant and resist attempts to exploit territorial issues for political purposes, stressing that the collective interests of the people should not become bargaining chips in political negotiations.

However, the assembly cautioned against confrontation or violence, urging the people to remain peaceful, disciplined and law-abiding in pursuing their interests.

It said concerns over any proposed territorial restructuring should instead be channelled through constitutional advocacy, public enlightenment, lawful civic engagement, petitions, consultations and other legitimate democratic means.

The leaders further called on political office holders, traditional rulers, community organisations and civil society groups to place the long-term interests of the South-East above temporary political calculations.

“The South-East is not a political bargaining table. Our communities are not political commodities. And the future of our people must never be decided without our people,” the assembly said.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to protecting what it described as the legitimate territorial, cultural, political and economic interests of the South-East.

It said it would continue to pursue those interests through peaceful and constitutional means, while encouraging stakeholders across the region to remain united and engaged in safeguarding the future of their communities.