…Advocates non-kinetic approach in restoration of peace to S’East
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has said that contrary to misconceptions in some quarters, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, loves and seeks the good of Ndigbo.
The Deputy Speaker who spoke during a press conference Sunday in his House at Bende, Abia State, said that Tinubu had demonstrated commitment towards giving Ndigbo a sense of belonging.
He said: ” Tinubu wouldn’t have given an Igbo man his Works Minister if he doesn’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 where the oil is shipped.”
The Deputy Speaker posited that only non-kinetic approach would help in the restoration of peace in the South-East geo-political zone.
According to him, kinetic approach has never brought lasting peace anywhere there is crisis.
He appealed to all those behind the insecurity in the zone to lay down their arms and embrace peace, assuring that amnesty will be granted 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 kinetic approach before but it has not worked.
“South-East won’t yield to threats of war. 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. Time for peace has come, and we must embrace it. Time has come for Ndigbo to join the centre stage of national leadership.”
He, 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 South-East. I thank our youths for ensuring we had peace.
“We are seeking amnesty for you. Please, give us your gun, we will give you money. We need to have peace in South-East.”
The Deputy Speaker decried the devastating effects of the Mondays sit-at-home on the economy of the South-East, and urged the people to change the 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, violent approach will only prolong Kanu’s incarceration.
“Monday sit-at-home is an afront 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 scene to get what we want. To get Kanu released needs strategic thinking and steps, and 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 South-East and causes of agitation in the zone.
He also said that the South-East Development Commission which he sponsored, and had been passed by the House of Representatives, would also help in rebuilding the South-East zone from the ruins of the civil war.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his positive disposition to the Peace In South-East Project (PISE-P) initiative, Kalu’s brain child which advocates non-kinetic approach in tackling the disturbing insecurity in the South-East.
