In a bold move during an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Bende, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu passionately encouraged gunmen wreaking havoc in the southeast to lay down their arms.
His proposal? Negotiate with the federal government to secure better employment opportunities through the groundbreaking Peace In South East Project (PISE-P).
Dismissing any link between President Bola Tinubu and Nnamdi Kanu’s incarceration, Kalu emphasized the need for a peaceful approach. He acknowledged the president’s fairness in appointments and developmental programs for the South East. Expressing concern for the region’s economy crippled by sit-at-home actions, Kalu denounced the violent tactics of unknown gunmen, highlighting their adverse impact on both the economy and overall development.
In a powerful statement, Kalu declared, “Sit-at-home is the biggest folly. You can’t match or outrun the firepower of the Federal Government. The best approach is to reduce the level of violence in the South East.” He appealed to agitators still operating from the bush to embrace peace, specifically endorsing the PISE-P as a vehicle for change.
The Deputy Speaker’s call for gunmen to exchange weapons for job opportunities marks a unique and progressive stance in the quest for peace in the Southeast.
