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Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, asserted that the restoration of peace in the South East geo-political zone can only be achieved through a non-kinetic approach.
During a press conference in his Bende country home, Abia State, the Deputy Speaker reiterated his stance, emphasizing that the kinetic approach has historically failed to bring enduring peace to crisis situations.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he acknowledged the positive support toward the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) initiative, an idea from Kalu that promotes a non-kinetic approach to addressing the troubling insecurity in the South East.
The Deputy Speaker called upon those responsible for insecurity in the zone to lay down their arms and opt for peace. He guaranteed amnesty to those ready to embrace a peaceful resolution.
“Kinetic approach to the insecurity in the South East is inadequate. Ignoring the causative factors will be a disservice to the solution we want to bring. We have used kinetic approach before but it has not worked.
“South East won’t yield to threats of war. Non-kinetic approach devoid of militarisation is the only measure that will work. Violence should not be used.
“We, therefore, plead with our brothers in the bush to lay down their arms. Through PISE-P, we are creating a platform that will calm the nerves that have been agitated.
“Wars are settled on round table. Time for peace has come, and we must embrace it. Time has come for Ndigbo to join the centre stage of national leadership.”
In a nuanced acknowledgment, the Deputy Speaker thanked the agitators for their part in maintaining peace in the South East during the Yuletide. He assured them of his commitment to securing amnesty.
“This was the most peaceful Christmas in the South East. I thank our youths for ensuring we had peace.
Read also: Tinubu Really Wants Progress Of Ndigbo, Kalu Reassures
“We are seeking amnesty for you. Please, give us your gun, and we will give you money. We need to have peace in South East.”
Kalu lamented the negative impact of Monday sit-at-homes on the South East economy and urged the people to consider altering their approach.
He clarified that the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, cannot be achieved through arm-twisting the Federal Government.
According to him, a violent approach will only prolong Kanu’s incarceration.
“Monday sit-at-homes is an affront to the Federal Government. Kanu can’t be released if we use violence. If Kanu’s release is delayed, we should blame ourselves because nobody can arm-twist the federal government.
“We should change strategy and work behind the scenes to get what we want. To get Kanu released needs strategic thinking and steps, and not by shouting in front of television cameras. “
He said that President Tinubu was not part of Kanu’s incarceration but expressed optimism that the President would be part of the solution to the issues about the IPOB Leader’s ordeals.
The Deputy Speaker further explained that the PISE-P initiative would help address the lingering challenges in the South East and the causes of agitation in the zone.
He expressed joy that the South East Development Commission which he sponsored, and had been passed by the House of Representatives, would also help in rebuilding the South East zone from the ruins of the civil war.
The Deputy Speaker who said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, means well for Ndigbo, called for the cooperation and support of the race for the President.
“Tinubu wouldn’t have given an Igbo man his Works Minister if he doesn’t love us. He supported me to be the number six man in the country. He made an Igbo man the Chief of Naval Staff which takes care of Nigeria’s maritime security and waterways through where the oil is shipped”.
The Deputy Speaker expressed his satisfaction with the President Tinubu’s successful launch of PISE-P at Bende on December 30, 2023. He underlined that the attendance of distinguished personalities from across the country confirmed the initiative’s acceptance.
The Deputy Speaker commended the South East Governors, as well as the Obi of Onitsha HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, Ooni of Ife HRM Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Emir of Bichi, and others for gracing the event.
As part of his outreach efforts, the Deputy Speaker distributed palliatives, comprising foodstuffs, motorcycles, and other empowerment equipment worth millions of Naira to his constituents and individuals from different parts of the South East.
He emphasized that the distribution of food was a strategic measure to address insecurity, stating that a hungry man is prone to anger, thereby aligning with the plan to pacify tensions.
