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The five South East governors, traditional rulers and captains of industry across party lines are expected to converge in Abia next week Friday for the unveiling of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) initiative.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the Chairman of the Media and Communication Committee of the Project, Mrs Mary Ikoku said that all arrangements for the Home Coming reception and formal unveiling of the project have been concluded.
She explained that the ceremony is in appreciation of the Deputy Speaker’s unwavering commitment to public service and outstanding contributions to the people of the South-East region and the nation in general.
According to her, the proposed grand civic reception/interdenominational thanksgiving service scheduled to take place on December 29, 2023, is being organised by the Peace in South East Project and the people of Bende Local Government Area of Abia, the constituents of the Deputy Speaker.
“The PISE-P Team and his community take immense pride in the remarkable achievements and tireless efforts of the Deputy Speaker who has consistently demonstrated a profound dedication to the well-being and progress of our people.
“As the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, he has played and still playing a pivotal role in shaping policies that address the needs and aspirations of the people of Bende Local government Area, the people of South-East, and the nation at large,” she said.
On the commitment of the peace in the South-East project for the restoration of peace in the region, she stressed the need for a non-kinetic strategy as against the prevailing option of applying total military enforcement.
She therefore appealed to the authorities of the Nigerian Military to twerk their approach arguing that the current strategy, which relies only on military enforcement, is yet to yield the desired result, suggesting that dialogue is a better alternative to addressing the volatility.
“We don’t need the military to leave the South East. We recognise the sacrifices the security agencies are making in keeping the insecurity in the South East under check, but we ask for a twerking of their operational strategy embracing the people through negotiation.
“A beckon of hope is here with a new non-kinetic approach. Let us dialogue and have a conversation with our people who are up in arms. All we want is peace in the South East,” she stated.
Mrs Ikoku who reiterated the resolve to partner with various stakeholders, urged all the youths across the South East to support the PISE-P in the bid to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
While speaking on the thematic areas of the PISE-P, Mr. Ogbonna Ukuku who showered encomium on members of the House of Representatives for passing the Bill on the establishment of the South-East Development Commission through Third Reading, expressed optimism that the initiative will help the initiative of PISE-P.
Mr Ukuku who averred that the Homecoming will mark the formal declaration of peace in the South-East, said: “All people across the country are coming. It’s a significant gathering and a declaration of peace in the South-East.
On the Pillars of the project, Mr. Okuku clarified that the eight pillars of the project would be used as tools to fully develop the crisis-ravaged region.
These include: Agriculture, Education, Leadership and Good Governance, Sports and Entertainment, Culture, and Tourism, among others as some of the vehicles for empowering and reintegrating the armed youths.
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