The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu, has urged gunmen in the South East to abandon their weapons and engage in peaceful negotiations with the Federal government for better employment opportunities and a prosperous future.
During an APC stakeholders’ meeting and empowerment program in Bende, Kalu emphasized that President Bola Tinubu has been fair to the South East in terms of appointments and developmental initiatives.
He expressed concern over the negative impact of the sit-at-home protests on the region’s economy, which has led to the departure of many Southeastern investors. Kalu condemned the actions of unknown gunmen, stating that resorting to violence only hinders the progress and development of the South East.
He encouraged all agitators still operating from hiding to embrace the Federal Government’s call for peace through the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P). Kalu also highlighted Tinubu’s support for the Igbo community and emphasized the need for their unwavering support in return. While expressing his interest in the release of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Kalu stressed that dropping weapons and embracing peace would expedite the process.
He advised against the sit-at-home protests, stating that it is futile to challenge the firepower of the Federal Government and that reducing violence is the most effective approach for the South East.
Tinubu’s lack of involvement in Nnamdi Kanu’s imprisonment should not be a reason to punish him. It is important to remain calm and return the guns to the security agencies, as the PISE-P initiative aims to provide job opportunities.
The speaker mentioned the unfortunate incident where his Tinubu/Shettima campaign office in Abia State was destroyed by gunmen before the 2023 general election.
However, he expressed satisfaction that the PISE-P program has contributed to the relative peace experienced in the South East during the Yuletide season. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of social cohesion between Ndigbo and other tribes for the overall development of the South East.
Lastly, during the stakeholders’ meeting, 25 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the constituency defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
