Vice President Kashim Shettima claims that some forces are using insecurity in the southeast to advance a dangerous political agenda.
Shettima spoke at the unveiling of the Peace in Southeast Project (PISE-P) by Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, on Friday in Bende, Abia state.
President Bola Tinubu, according to Shettima, has been concerned about the economic devastation inflicted on the south-east by non-state actors since taking office.
He stated that the president is determined to use all available resources to eliminate those who spread lies and propaganda and use them as weapons against Nigeria’s unity.
Tinubu was bestowed with the traditional title of Omeziri Igbo 1 at a grand civic reception held in his honour before the unveiling ceremony.
Shettima, who received the title on behalf of the president, was also conferred with the traditional title of Enyioma Ndigbo by Linus Mbah, chairman of the Abia State Council of traditional rulers.
He said:
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been concerned about the extensive economic devastation inflicted by non-state actors on this beautiful region since we took office.”
“He is acutely aware that our commitment to Nigeria’s future remains incomplete as long as we grapple with the sinister operations of economic saboteurs who masquerade as advocates for the Ndi-Igbo.
“That’s why he’s determined to utilize all available resources to ensure that the peace we’re establishing in this region is not cosmetic, and we can’t guarantee it unless all of us see through the falsehoods and propaganda that have become weapons against our unity.”
Shettima stated that the heinous activities of the criminals holding the southeast captive are self-serving and do not represent the interests of Ndi-Igbo or the country as a whole.
“The problem we are here to solve as a community, as an Umunna, is a creation of self-serving criminals who do not represent the interests of the Ndi-Igbo and Nigerians,” he added.
“Mr President knows this better than all of us, and that’s why he has never held any group accountable for the infractions of law-breaking individuals who identify as their members. This, I believe, is the democracy we have all chosen.”
Shettima stated that attempts to undo the hard work of the nation’s heroes past will fail, pointing out that the criminals disrupting the peace in the region are doing so in collusion with “forces exploiting the situation for dangerous political agenda.”
He stated that the “catastrophic situation” cannot be reversed unless the government involves the people whom he describes as the region’s ears, legs, and mouths.
“Today, we stand united to firmly declare: enough is enough.”
The VP emphasised the importance of a coordinated intervention to address insecurity in the region, assuring the people of the south-east that the Tinubu administration “shall not rest until it fulfils its pledge to mitigate the crisis” it inherited.
Noting that no better visionary can save the country from implosion than Tinubu, he stated that the federal government’s development agenda in the south-east will continue to elude the region if “the intricate web of security challenges” inherited by the Tinubu-led administration is not addressed.
“The seeds of progress can only sprout in the fertile soil of peace and security. This is why we take immense pride in the collaboration of all stakeholders and initiatives such as the Peace in South East Project, to ensure that the shield of security in the region isn’t a distant mirage in the landscape of aspirations.”
Shettima praised Kalu for his efforts to restore long-term peace in the region.
Earlier, Kalu stated that the purpose of PISE-P was to promote peace, unity, and development in the region.
He also stated that the project’s goal is to promote reconciliation among communities and individuals affected by past conflicts.
“When I embarked on the south-east project, my vision was clear — to foster peace, unity, and development in our region through a non-kinetic approach,” Kalu said.
“The south-east has long been known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, and enterprising people. Yet, we have faced our fair share of challenges, including socioeconomic disparities, insecurities, political tensions, and occasional conflicts.
“Our goals in the south-east project are clear. We aim to promote reconciliation among communities and individuals affected by past conflicts.
“We recognize the need to address the root causes of conflict, including socio-economic disparities and political tensions.
“Empowering communities is another crucial goal of the project, providing them with the necessary resources, skills, and opportunities for sustainable development.”