Hon. Benjamin Kalu has called on unknown gunmen in the South East to abandon violence, come out of hiding, and engage in peaceful negotiations with the Federal Government for better opportunities.
He said this in a stakeholders’ meeting and empowerment program.
Launching the Food-For-Peace Program to address hunger in the region, Kalu emphasised the economic toll of sit-at-home orders, urging agitators to consider the long-term impact on the South East economy and development.
While acknowledging Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s contributions to the region, including key appointments, like the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Minister of Works, Chief of Naval Staff and others, he deserves total support of the Igbo nation now.
Kalu appealed for support for Tinubu’s political endeavors. He highlighted Tinubu’s impartiality regarding the incarceration of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
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Expressing his interest in Kanu’s release, Kalu stressed the importance of dropping arms for the peace process to expedite.
Kalu stated, “Sit-at-home at-home is the biggest folly. You can’t match or outrun the fire power of the Federal Government. The best approach is to reduce the level of violence in the South East.
“Tinubu did not contribute to the incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu. Why will we punish him for what he did not do? Calm down, return the guns to the security agencies because PISE-P is designed to create jobs for you,” he added.
He also recounted the destruction of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign office in Abia State before the 2023 general election.
Notably, the Deputy Speaker celebrated the success of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) in fostering relative peace during the Yuletide. Social cohesion between Ndigbo and other tribes was emphasized for the overall development of the South East.
Moreover, the meeting witnessed 25 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kalu’s constituency.