The presidency has apologised to leaders of the south-south
region over the cancellation of a meeting that was billed to hold on Tuesday.
The south-south leaders had expressed displeasure over the
cancelled meeting between them and a delegation from the federal government,
saying the presidency disrespected them.
They demanded an unreserved apology from the presidency,
listing that as one of the conditions to consider reconvening the meeting.
According to a statement by Garba Shehu, president
spokesman, the postponement was “certainly not out of disrespect’’.
He said the absence of the federal government delegation at
the planned meeting with governors and stakeholders of the south-south region
was necessitated by Tuesday’s emergency security meeting summoned by President
Muhammadu Buhari.
He said the delegation to the meeting, under Ibrahim
Gambari, chief of staff to the president, ministers and heads of security and
intelligence agencies were in full readiness to proceed to Port Harcourt until
they were directed to stay back for the emergency security meeting.
“This information and regret for the inconvenience caused
were conveyed to the hosts of the meeting through what we believed were the
right channels,” he said.
“As may have been
gleaned from the statement read by the Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad
Maigari Dingyadi, the extraordinary National Security Council meeting, under
the President, was called in view of the gravity of the security situation
affecting all parts of the country, including the South-South in the aftermath
of the ENDSARS protests, and the need to rise to protect our national security
and territorial integrity. ”
Shehu said the president is strongly and resolutely
committed to hearing from leaders, stakeholders and youth on burning issues
affecting all parts of the federation.
He, therefore, added that a new date for the meeting with
the region would be agreed after due consultations with the parties concerned.
“Once again, the unavoidable postponement of the meeting is
regretted,’’ he added.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com