VP Shettima, Governors attend unveiling of PISE-P, Homecoming of Deputy Speaker

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has been commended for his bold efforts towards restoring peace to the South East region.

The commendations came on Friday, at the unveiling of Peace In the South East Project (PISE-P) as part of activities to mark the Civic Reception and Thanksgiving of the Deputy Speaker at the Sports Arena, Bende Local Government Headquarters, Abia State.

The civic reception held in his honour by his Bende constituents, witnessed the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima GCON, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen PhD, Deputy President of the  Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; Governors and former Governors of States in the South East geo-political zone. Members of the National Assembly including the House of Representatives, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and prominent Traditional Rulers from across the country were also present at the event.

A brainchild of the Deputy Speaker, the PISE-P is a strategic effort envisioned to foster peace, unity and development through a non-kinetic approach, as well as restoring the region to its rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities and enterprising people.

Sharing his vision at the event, as pioneer of the initiative, Rep. Kalu noted that the journey toward peace demands total dedication to inclusivity, justice, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and a pervasive culture of peace. He bemoaned the colossal losses the region has experienced in recent times due to agitations.

“Our goals in the South East Project are clear. We aim to promote reconciliation among communities and individuals affected by past conflicts. We recognise the need to address the root causes of conflict, including socio-economic disparities and political tensions. Empowering communities is another crucial goal of the project, providing them with the necessary resources, skills, and opportunities for sustainable development,” the Deputy Speaker remarked.

Vice President Kashim Shettima who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, noted that event was a reflection of “the profound understanding that no one comprehends the experience of a community better than the people themselves.” 

In commending the Deputy Speaker and Visionary, Shettima expressed pride in the collaboration of all stakeholders and initiatives such as the PISE-P, to ensure that the shield of security in the region isn’t a distant mirage in the landscape of aspirations.

“That’s why he’s (Tinubu) determined to utilise all available resources to ensure that the peace we’re establishing in this region is not cosmetic, and we can’t guarantee it unless all of us see through the falsehoods and propaganda that have become weapons against our unity,” he added.

On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen PhD, celebrated what he termed the indisputable contributions of Ndigbo to the Nigerian economy through imports, business investments, or Diaspora remittances, and all other fields of human endeavour.

He highlighted a sense of marginalisation and feeling by many in the South-East that their concerns are not adequately addressed in the national discourse as part of the underlying causes of agitations in the region. Hence, the Speaker proffered inclusive governance for its people to feel adequately represented at all levels of government and decision-making processes as a panacea.

“The development craved by the people of this region can never be achieved in the absence of peace. At the National Assembly, the lawmakers would ensure that funding is provided for investment in infrastructure, support for local businesses, and the creation of job opportunities.

The agitations in the South-East and other regions of the country could be greatly minimised through good governance and adherence to the rule of law,” he remarked in its endorsement of the PISE-P and its seven pillars as a catalyst for stability and sustainable development in the region.

The event witnessed the symbolic release of pigeons to signify peace in the region and presentation of awards to various leaders including the Vice  President, President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Notably, Friday’s event follows the passage of a Bill by the House of Representatives last week, for the establishment of the South East Development Commission after fifty-three years of its quest.