In a recent virtual appearance on the “South East Political Roundtable,” Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, shared a glimmer of hope regarding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), currently in detention. Kalu disclosed that ongoing talks were taking place to secure Kanu’s freedom.
The Deputy Speaker emphasized the importance of ending the sit-at-home protests in the South East, citing their negative impact on the region’s economic development. He urged the youth to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances, emphasizing the discouragement of potential investors due to the disruptions caused by the observance of sit-at-home orders.
Kalu also highlighted the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), recently unveiled in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, as a non-kinetic approach to addressing security challenges and agitations in the region. He called on those bearing arms to lay down their weapons and participate in the initiative.
While expressing his commitment to Kanu’s release, Kalu clarified that the strategy involved peaceful negotiations rather than resorting to violence. He urged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, noting the president’s interest in developing the South East. Kalu emphasized that violence was not the solution and called for a unified approach for the region’s progress.
Addressing the sit-at-home protests directly, Kalu called for their discontinuation, stating that it was time to adopt more constructive methods of expressing concerns. He encouraged unity among the people and expressed confidence that the government would respond positively to their requests.
The Deputy Speaker also appreciated the support of the governors of the five Eastern states for the PISE-P initiative, clarifying that the project aimed at community service rather than political interests. He reassured the public that the project would positively impact the region, providing employment opportunities for youth involved in armed activities.
Kalu dismissed any notion of a clash of interest between PISE-P and Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, stating that the President-General of Ohaneze, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, fully supported the project.
