Governors of the five South East states have declared that peace was cardinal to the economic development and progress of the region.
Their declaration came on the heels of the unveiling of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) in Bende local government area of Abia State on Friday, December 29, 2023 by the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu.
The project seeks non-kinetic means of resolving the security challenges in the region.
The declaration was made before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented at the unveiling ceremony by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
On behalf of his colleagues, the chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum and Imo State governor Hope Uzodimma, said that they were all for peace in the region.
He said, “The events of 2021 till date have created untold insecurity in the region. It’s worrisome to all of us, those living at home and diaspora, and our brothers and sisters from all zones in the country.
“The governors of the South East region working with Ohanaeze held a security summit in Owerri where it was resolved that, to do everything possible to bring peace to the south east and stem the prevalence of insecurity in the region.
“Consequent upon that, our brother the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, as part of the programmes marking his homecoming, initiated this peace project.
“It’s a welcomed idea which must be commended. Anything that will bring peace to the South-East is welcomed. I commend him for this brilliant idea and efforts put in. We southeast governors commend him.”
On his part, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, who read the Bende Peace Declaration, said the governors and the people of the South-East were all for peace in the region.
“We the people of the South East hereby declare that peace is what we stand for as a region. We declare peace for prosperity. Peace for progress.
“We stand for peace in the South East 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. Udo ka nma,” Otti stated.
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