The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu, is calling for an end to violence in Nigeria’s South East. Speaking at an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting, he urged unknown gunmen to lay down their arms, engage in peaceful negotiations, and seek better opportunities from the Federal government.
In a bid to address hunger in the region, Kalu also launched a Food-For-Peace Program, highlighting the pressing need for stability and development.
Expressing concern over the negative impact of recent sit-at-home orders in the South East, Kalu emphasized the adverse effects on the local economy, which led to the exodus of investors from the area. He condemned the violent tactics employed by the unknown gunmen, stressing that their actions are detrimental to the region’s overall progress.
While acknowledging the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in addressing the needs of the South East through appointments and developmental initiatives, Kalu urged the agitators to drop their weapons and embrace the government’s call for peace, particularly through the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P).
Notably, Kalu emphasized the need for unity and mutual respect among different ethnic groups in the South East, underscoring the significance of social cohesion for the region’s advancement. He also expressed support for the release of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, providing a pathway for his release contingent on the cessation of violent activities in the South East.
Furthermore, Kalu reminded the unknown gunmen that resorting to violence would only exacerbate the situation, urging them to consider the long-term benefits of peaceful engagement with the government. He called for an end to the destruction caused by armed conflict, citing personal experiences of violence targeting political offices in the area.
Amidst his efforts to promote peace and reconciliation, Kalu witnessed a significant political shift, with 25 members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defecting to the APC during the stakeholders’ meeting.
As the Deputy Speaker continues to advocate for dialogue and stability in the South East, his initiatives and appeals for ceasefire stand as pivotal steps towards fostering a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
