Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu said on Saturday that the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P) will dissuade the militarisation of the southeast zone while ultimately restoring peace to the region which has suffered high insecurity in the last couple of years.
He gave this hint when he paid a condolence visit to the Anambra state Governor Charles Soludo in the state.
The lawmaker at the lower chamber also briefed the governor of the official unveiling of the new peace initiative in Bende, Abia State scheduled for Thursday, December 29, while inviting him to be part of the event.
A statement by Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu quoted him as saying that Governor Soludo had made giant strides in Anambra, especially in the security sector.
He said “Not too long ago, I accompanied the Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashm Shettima to Anambra. We came to inspect a factory built by Sir Emeka Offor who is working hard for Ndi Igbo. The Vice President and I agreed that the local content aspects of the factory shall be accorded the priority it deserves, even in the energy sector.
“We also used the opportunity to see and discuss the ecological problems. Anambra is the headquarters of ecological problems in the whole world. We will not leave the challenge of developing Igboland for one person.
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“If Anambra is developed, Igbo land is secure. We shall continue to strive, put all our efforts to develop Anambra and by extension, Igbo land. That’s why we came to identify with him and to assure him that he also has the support of the members of the National Assembly. Wherever he wants us to give our support, we will. Even now that the budget is in the works, we are talking to see where we can come in.
“We also send our condolences to him on the passing of our father, late Pa Simeon Soludo. Yes, every death is painful but this is to an extent a celebration of life. Our prayer is to live long and be fulfilled in life like him. May God accept the soul of the departed and also be with you all.
“Let me also use this opportunity to say that we shall gather in Bende on December 29, 2023 to unveil what we call Peace in the South East (PISE-P) so that we can pronounce an end to violence, militarization, guns and all that. Let’s adopt a non-kinetic means of resolving our challenges.”
While commending the Deputy Speaker for the peace initiative, Soludo threw history weight behind the project which canvasses for a non-kinetic means of resolving the security challenges in the region.
Soludo who lauded the project championed by the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu described the top federal lawmaker as a worthy son of Ndi Igbo.
The governor who said that Kalu was passionate about the development of Igboland and Nigeria in general stressed that his contributions were well noted.
He said: “Your Excellency, you are welcome to Isuofia. Thanks for coming to be with us. Indeed, you are a true son of Igbo land. You are so passionate about the development of Igbo land and Nigeria at large. You are our worthy son and we note that. We are proud of you.
“I have heard all that you said about the budget and the PISE-P and unity in Igbo land. I say amen to all. Anambra to Bende in Abia is not all that far, so to speak. We will look at all that you have said. Please, send my regards to the speaker. From what we are hearing, you both are doing well. Thanks for coming.”