Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has said that only a non-kinetic approach could help in the restoration of peace in the South East geo-political zone.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his positive disposition toward the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P) initiative, Kalu’s brainchild, which advocates a non-kinetic approach to tackling the disturbing insecurity in the South East.
The Deputy Speaker, therefore, appealed to all those behind the insecurity in the zone to lay down their arms and embrace peace, assuring that amnesty will be granted to those ready for peace.
“Kinetic approach to the insecurity in the South East is inadequate. Ignoring the causative factors will be a disservice to the solution we want to bring. We have used the kinetic approach before, but it has not worked.
“South East won’t yield to threats of war. A non-kinetic approach devoid of militarisation is the only measure that will work. Violence should not be used.
“We, therefore, plead with our brothers in the bush to lay down their arms. Through PISE-P, we are creating a platform that will calm the nerves that have been agitated.
“Wars are settled on round table. The time for peace has come, and we must embrace it. Time has come for Ndigbo to join the centre stage of national leadership.”
The Deputy Speaker, however, thanked the agitators for ensuring there was peace in the South East during the Yuletide and promised to secure amnesty for them.
“This was the most peaceful Christmas in the Southeast. I thank our youths for ensuring we had peace. We are seeking amnesty for you. Please, give us your gun, and we will give you money. We need to have peace in the Southeast.”
Kalu decried the adverse effects of the Monday sit-at-homes on the economy of the South East and urged the people to change their approach.
He explained that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, would not be released by arm-twisting the Federal Government.
According to him, a violent approach will only prolong Kanu’s incarceration.
“Monday sit-at-homes is an affront to the Federal Government. Kanu can’t be released if we use violence. If Kanu’s release is delayed, we should blame ourselves because nobody can arm-twist the federal government.
“We should change strategy and work behind the scenes to get what we want. To get Kanu released, you need strategic thinking and steps, not by shouting in front of television cameras. “
He said that President Tinubu was not part of Kanu’s incarceration but expressed optimism that the President would be part of the solution to the issues about the IPOB Leader’s ordeals.
The Deputy Speaker further explained that the PISE-P initiative would help address the lingering challenges in the South East and the causes of agitation in the zone.
He expressed joy that the South East Development Commission, which he sponsored and which had been passed by the House of Representatives, would also help in rebuilding the South East zone from the ruins of the civil war.
The Deputy Speaker, who said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Ndigbo, called for the cooperation and support of the race for the presidency.
“Tinubu wouldn’t have given an Igbo man his Works Minister if he didn’t love us. He supported me to be the number six man in the country. He made an Igbo man the Chief of Naval Staff, which takes care of Nigeria’s maritime security and waterways through which oil is shipped.”.
The Deputy Speaker expressed satisfaction over the successful launch of PISE-P by President Tinubu at Bende on December 30, 2023, adding that the presence of eminent personalities from across the country was a confirmation that the initiative had been accepted.
He commended the South East Governors: the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe; Ooni of Ife HRM Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Emir of Bichi, among others, who graced the event.
The Deputy Speaker also distributed palliatives, including food, motorcycles, and other empowerment equipment worth millions of Naira, to his constituents and people from different parts of the South East.
He said the gesture was part of plans to use food to help quell insecurity “because a hungry man is an angry man.”.