Mary Ikoku, the Chairman, Media and Communications Committee of Peace In the Southeast Project (PISEP) has advocated for a non-kinetic strategy in addressing insecurity in the Southeast zone, rather than a total military force.
At a press conference in Abuja, Mary lamented that military force is yet to yield the desired result, just as he suggested dialogue as a better alternative, saying the peace project would be unveiled at the homecoming and grand reception of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on December 29 in appreciation of his commitment to public service and contributions to the region and the nation in general.
According to her, the five governors in the Southeast 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.
She mentioned that the entire Ndigbo are not known to be violent people in Nigeria and strategies have been put in place to address the challenges bedevilling the people of the Southeast geopolitical zone.
Mary noted that the Southeast geopolitical zone plays an integral role to the socioeconomic development of the country and it behooves well meaning Nigerians to support the initiative at nipping in the bud the spate of insecurity in the area.
“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.
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.
Contributing, to the discourse, Ogbonna Ukuku, the Director of PISE-P, commended 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 concurrent deliberation and passage
He said the passage of the bill will help the initiative of PISE-P, adding that the Homecoming would 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.
“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”, he said.
