…as outfit moves to ensure return of peace in the South East geo-political zone
The Peace In the Southeast Project, (PISE-P) says the entire Ndigbo are not known to be violent people in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Media and Communication Committee of the Project, Mrs. Mary Ikoku who spoke to reporters in Abuja explained that the resolve to unveil the outfit was aimed at restoring sustainable peace and development in the South East geo-political zone.
She disclosed that the five Governors in the South East geo-political zone , alongside critical stakeholders like traditional leaders, national and states assemblies members, captains of industries and officials of key development partners are billed to attend the formal unveiling ceremony of PISE-P initiated by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu on the 29th of this month in Bende , Abia state.
The PISE -P official stated that strategies have been put in place to address the challenges bedevilling the people of the south East geopolitical zone.
Arguing that the South East geopolitical zone plays an integral role to the socioeconomic development of the country, she said it behooves well meaning Nigerians to support the initiative at nipping in the bud the spate of insecurity in the area.
Ikoku explained that the ceremony is in appreciation of the deputy speaker’s unwavering commitment to public service and outstanding contributions to the people of the Southeast region and the nation in general.
“The PISE-P team and his community take immense pride in the remarkable achievements and tireless efforts of the Deputy Speaker who has consistently demonstrated a profound dedication to the well-being and progress of our people.
” As the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, he has played and still playing a pivotal role in shaping policies that address the needs and aspirations of the people of Bende Local government Area, the people of Southeast, and the nation at large” she said.
On the commitment of the Peace in the Southeast project for the restoration of peace in the region, she stressed the need for a non-kinetic strategy as against the prevailing option of applying total military enforcement.
She appealed to the Military to twerk their approach arguing that the current strategy, which relies only on military enforcement, is yet to yield the desired result, suggesting that dialogue is a better alternative to addressing the volatility.
“We don’t need the military to leave the Southeast. We recognise the sacrifices the security agencies are making in keeping the insecurity in the southeast under check, but we ask for a twerking of their operational strategy embracing the people through negotiation. A beckon of hope is here with a new non-kinetic approach.
“Let us dialogue and have a conversation with our people who are up in arms. All we want is Peace in the Southeast” she stated.
Speaking, the Director of PISE-P, Ogbonna Ukuku, praised the members of the House of Representatives for the Third Reading of the Bill on the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission, which will now go to the Senate for concurrence.
He said that the passage of the bill will help the initiative of PISE-P, adding that the Homecoming will mark the formal declaration of Peace in the Southeast. “All people across the country are coming. It’s a significant gathering and a declaration of Peace in the Southeast,” Okuku said.
On the Pillars of the project, Okuku clarified that the eight pillars of the project would be used as tools to fully develop the crisis-ravaged region. He listed Agriculture, Education, Leadership and good governance, Sports and Entertainment, culture, and Tourism among others as some of the vehicles for empowering and reintegrating the armed youths.
