Hails Kalu for new initiative

Governors of the five south-eastern states have declared that peace is cardinal to the economic development and progress of the southeast region.

The declaration came on the heels of the unveiling of the Peace In South-East Project (PISE-P) in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State on Friday, December 29, 2023.

The project, initiated by the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, seeks non-kinetic means of resolving the security challenges in the region. 

The declaration was made before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented at the unveiling ceremony by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Speaking on behalf of the South-East governors, the chairman of the South-East Governors Forum and Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said that they were all for peace in the region.

He said, “The events of 2021 to date have created untold insecurity in the region. It’s worrisome to all of us, those living at home and diaspora, and our brothers and sisters from all zones in the country.

“The governors of the southeast region, working with Ohaneze, held a security summit in Owerri, where it was resolved to do everything possible to bring peace to the southeast and stem the prevalence of insecurity in the region.

“Consequent upon that, our brother, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, as part of the programs marking his homecoming, initiated this peace project.

“It’s a welcomed idea that must be commended. Anything that will bring peace to the south-east is welcomed. I commend him for this brilliant idea and efforts put in. We, the southeast governors, commend him.”

On his part, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, who read the Bende Peace Declaration, said that the governors and the people of the South-East were all for peace in the region. 

“We, the people of the South East, hereby declare that peace is what we stand for as a region. We declare peace for prosperity. Peace for progress.

“We stand for peace in the South East as a catalyst that will drive growth in all sectors of the economy and rekindle the confidence of future generations. We declare that peace is better. Udo ka nma.

“May this day, the 29th of December 2023, at Bende, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, South East Nigeria,” Otti stated.