Though belated, we must thank the political leadership of the south-east, for deeming it necessary to float Ebubeagu – our regional policing outfit. 
I have carefully observed our leaders' choice of words in the communique issued to that effect. If that communique is a pointer to the operational efficiency of the group and the boldness needed to tackle issues frontally, then the prevailing cynicism is partly justified.
Current security environment in the southeast calls for leaders who will, at the very least, properly articulate the feelings of south-easterners and boldly but respectfully communicate same to our federal partners.
To be sure, we are not looking for brash, abusive and cantankerous leaders always at loggerhead with the federal government. But we are also not looking for governors who seem to all have contracted a dangerous strain of cap-in-hand-19.
The issues must be discussed in the open. If moderate vioces choose not to, extremist voices will step in, and our people, fearing for their very own existence, will listen to them regardless of widely known associated evils of extremism.
We are already halfway into a very dangerous spiral. Southeast leadership must be encouraged to quit communicating in language that depicts either sheer timidness or utter unwillingness to place legitimate concerns of their people above personal interests.
If they don't, I'm afraid they won't get the popular support needed to heal our land and return the south-east on the right track to progress.
I'm already sparing thoughts as to how #Ebubeagu will relate with existing vigilante groups, IPOB's ESN, “unknown gunmen,” Enugu Forest Guard, @PoliceNG, and heavy military presence in the south-east.
More guns alone will not solve the problems of the south-east, credible leadership will. For now, it seems lacking. And that, to me, is troubling.
Chima Christian
Chima Christian
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