In the time past, the land of the eastern region of Nigeria was very peaceful and serene such that the inhabitants of the region (Ndigbo), were able to move about in their chosen and daily endeavours without any form of obstruction or violence.
In those good old days, tourists and visitors always derived joy in visiting the region due to its relatively peaceful nature.
But recently, the good old days which used to characterise the region, seems to have been eroded. This is as a result of the reoccurring insecurity situation in the area.
Illegitimate activities such as kidnappings, armed robberies, ritual killings and all forms of agitations have since taken over the region thereby making life very difficult for people of the area. Luckily, the well thought out peace initiative, a brain child of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, known as Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), a non-kinetic approach towards tackling insecurity in the South East, appears to have rekindled hope for a new peaceful atmosphere in the region.This measure should be applauded by all peace loving individuals.
I am delighted that this peaceful measure has already received the nod of political stakeholders, business men and women and Royal Fathers from the South East. The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and his colleagues from South-East extraction in the National Assembly must be commended for joining hands in championing this laudable initiative. The aim of all these is geared towards looking for solution that will bring about a lasting peace in Igbo land.
Through the non-kinetic approach, a lot can be achieved. Our lawmakers from the South-East in collaboration with the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu in their representational responsibilities can assist the region by attracting more constituency projects. The federal government on her part and in its federal character principle should also assist the region by bringing more federal government presence to the Southeast in order to make them have a sense of belonging and not to have the psychological effect of marginalisation which seems to have eaten deep in their minds.
Empowerment programmes from the federal government such as skill acquisitions training, scholarship programmes, access to funding, job opportunities, etc., will definitely play great role in shaping the minds of youths and deviate them from restiveness.
Furthermore, we should avail our selves with the huge responsibilities of the federal government and seek political ways to receive our fair shares of the dividend of democracy. As Republicans in nature, we may have found ourselves in different political parties as expected during the electioneering campaigns. However, it’s important to gravitate to the government at the Center as a good option, offer support and positive criticisms irrespective of our political leanings.
This is the appropriate time for Ndigbo to integrate and unite her youths, men and women in order to form a common front through a peaceful approach for the overall development of the region.
No region can thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity. Therefore, it is imperative for Igbo youths to come together and speak with one powerful voice.
The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and other relevant government agencies must form synergy and roll out modern ways of using peaceful dialogue to bring about social change especially among our youths. It also behoves on our Traditional Leaders and Religious Institutions to at all times preach peace in their domain to bring about the good moral values needed in our youths which are seriously in short supply today. Parents have a huge role to play in knowing the kind of activities their children engage in, the kind of friendship they keep, and all that, as charity they say, begins at home.
Peace is a vital ingredient which helps in the sustenance of every society.
Thus, Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), initiative, is timely; and if all the necessary measures can be readily implemented to the letter, it will surely bring about the needed result and fully usher in peace, unity and progress in abundance to the region.
Suffice it to say that the official unveiling of PISE-Project will take place in December 2023, at Bende Town, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. It will also coincide with the home coming and civic reception of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
This is indeed, a great move!
Ukoha is former Minority Whip/Member;
Abia House of Assembly
