- Hails deputy speaker Kalu’s South-East peace project
In a call for proactive dialogue, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has implored Igbo leaders in the South-East geopolitical zone to actively engage with the government to address the legitimate grievances of their people.
According to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the speaker made this plea during the launch of the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P), an initiative spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
Speaking at the event held in Bende, Abia State, Speaker Abbas highlighted the economic prowess of the South-East while expressing concern over the significant losses incurred due to ongoing agitations in the region. He emphasized that peace in the South-East is not only crucial for the prosperity of the zone but is integral to the overall peace and progress of Nigeria.
The Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P), according to Speaker Abbas, is a commendable and patriotic endeavor initiated by Deputy Speaker Kalu, driven by a deep love for the region and a genuine concern for the rising insecurity that has cast a shadow over the area.
Acknowledging the historical significance of the South-East as an economic powerhouse, Speaker Abbas lamented the challenges the region has faced in recent years, including separatist agitations, unrest, and terrorism, resulting in colossal consequences on lives and property.
Identifying the root causes of these challenges, Speaker Abbas emphasized the sense of marginalization, economic challenges, and historical context, which contribute to the sentiments in the region. He stressed the need for stakeholders to understand these underlying issues to effectively address them.
The Speaker proposed a multi-faceted approach outlined in the seven pillars of the PISE-P project, emphasizing inclusive governance, peace-building through dialogue and reconciliation, and addressing the legitimate grievances of the people. Abbas underscored the importance of sustainable peace for development and called on political leaders in the South-East to actively engage with the government.
Highlighting the role of the National Assembly in the peace-building process, Speaker Abbas assured that funding for infrastructure projects, support for local businesses, and job creation opportunities would be prioritized in the 2024 budget. He also mentioned the recent passage of the South East Development Commission bill, aimed at supporting the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure in the region.
The Speaker stressed the importance of educating the populace about the significance of unity and the dangers of division, pointing out that good governance and adherence to the rule of law are key to minimizing agitations.
Speaker Abbas expressed confidence that the PISE-P project could foster sustainable peace, stability, and development in the South-East, ultimately restoring the region’s vibrancy and prosperity.
