At the launch of Peace in the Southeast Project (PISE-P) in Bende, Abia State, stakeholders explored ways to stem the tide of insecurity in the region TONY AKOWE reports

The launch of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) recently was an unprecedented event, which resonated in communities, local government areas and states within the region. The epoch-making event which was held in the ancient Bende town, a known terrain in Abia State together with the homecoming/grand reception of the Deputy House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, drew the attention of who is who in Southeast and the entire country.

Also, President Bola Tinubu was conferred with the traditional title of Omeziri Igbo 1 and Enyioma Ndigbo by the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Mbah, backed by other traditional rulers in Southeast. Political and business heavyweights from the Southeast and many others from all walks of life converged to not only honour Kalu who is solidly in the leadership of the National Assembly and well respected, but to open an entirely new chapter in the anal of history for Ndigbo.

It was also a time for deep reflection of who the Igbo are from creation and in existence all the while with virtually every speaker alluding to the fact that Southeast has always been a region known for its industrious nature and peaceful co-existence. Their allusions are premised on the reality that before the advent of disruptions based on certain ideologies, which are alien to the people of the area, Southeast enjoyed a full life circle centred on self-sustaining and collaborative efforts geared towards sustained socio-economic development, devoid of intimidation, fear, calamity, terrorism among others.

Another truism is that nothing has reversed this trend, just as Nigeria’s Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, put it: “The terror groups that have held the Southeast to ransom are not a creation of the people of the region or Nigerians from other parts of the country. 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…”

While he spoke as one who truly understands what the region has dealt with or rightly put it as what has become its albatross, this mountain (insecurity) which turned the tide in the past few years, is surmountable, because therein lies a sigh of soothing relief and expected return to progressive status quo.

As Shettima posited: “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.”

He maintained, however, that the catastrophic situation can’t be reversed unless the government involves the people whom he said are the ears, legs and mouths in the region. The Vice President’s statement is equally vice-versa in the sense that there is no way the government – nay security agencies will ever tackle the menace without collaboration and extensive support of the people who live in the affected areas.

Collaborating with the views of Shettima, Abia State Governor Alex Otti and his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodinma, who is also the chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum declared their readiness to push for greater support in the pursuit of lasting peace and enduring security in the region.

Otti said: “We the people of the Southeast hereby declare that peace is what we stand for as a region. We declare peace and prosperity, we declare peace for progress, and we stand for peace in the Southeast as a catalyst that will drive growth in all sectors of the economy and rekindle the confidence of future generations. We declare that peace is better.”

On why he has dedicated his time, material and human resources to pursue the cause of this developmental initiative using PISE-P as a vehicle, the convener and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said: “When I embarked on the Southeast project, my vision was clear — to foster peace, unity, and development in our region through a non-kinetic approach. The Southeast 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 Southeast project are clear. We aim to promote reconciliation among communities and individuals affected by past conflicts. We recognise 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.”

While consulting with political bigwigs within and outside the Southeast, Kalu didn’t leave out the traditional institution without hesitation supported the project and graced its launching.

Among prominent traditional rulers who made his stance known on the move to restore the zone to its pride of place is the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe. He threw his weight behind PISE-P, with a weighty endorsement of its non-kinetic approach towards addressing the security challenges in the region.

Already, the non-kinetic measure of tackling insecurity in the Southeast has received the buy-in of many, owing to the loss of lives and property in numerous sectors of human existence. This perhaps informed obvious reason, the Obi of Onitsha emphatically said, “We just have to join forces and make things happen. We want peace and reconciliation in Igboland. Our strength is in what we can do for ourselves.”

From Anambra to Enugu, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi – lives and property have been lost over the years, but with the PISE-P approach, hope is rising.

Already, the trickling effect is beginning to rob off within a short time. Perhaps, the soothing embrace of peace led to the celebration of the 2023 Christmas and 2024 New Year without a single reported incidence anywhere in the Southeast.

Now, the gains need to be sustained over a period and continuously too in a bid to get the region back to reckoning. To achieve sustainability gains, there are several factors which should team up to produce more desired results.

Top on the non-kinetic approach to sustain the PISE-P drive is the need to keep the doors of Dialogue open. To a very great extent, continuous dialogue, engagements and reconciliation with stakeholders like the Deputy Speaker highlighted in his speech will play a key role using dynamic means. In this, religious bodies, traditional institutions, youth, women groups, community leaders, and state and non-state actors should be involved.

Nature abhors vacuum amidst the importance of cushioning the effects of conflict or crisis times. Therefore, a holistic Empowerment Programme (both in the short, medium and long terms) needs to be designed and implemented by the various government levels. In creating this path, a central coordinating body like it obtains in the Niger Delta and Northeast should be set up. That agency could be designated as the Southeast Development Commission. Although, it appears there have been moves in this direction recently, however, it should be hastened.

In all, all hands must be on deck at this time and always to achieve the peace mission as Kalu puts it: “…Cultivating a culture of peace is essential in our journey. We must promote dialogue, tolerance, and non-violence as core values within our communities. By working towards these goals, we aim to create a more peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive region for all its residents.

“… let us remember that the journey towards peace is not a destination. It is an ongoing process, one that requires our unflinching commitment and dedication. We must continue to foster inclusivity, promote social justice, and empower our youth. We must invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. We must create opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development. And above all, we must cultivate a culture of peace, respect, and understanding.” (The Nation)

Update news