Abbas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has called upon Igbo leaders to engage with the Federal Government to address their legitimate concerns.
During his speech at the launch of the Peace in the South East Project, initiated by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Abbas expressed his concern about the economic impact of agitations in the South-East region.
Speaking at the event in Bende, Abia State, on Friday, Abbas emphasized that the peace in the south-east is crucial for the overall peace and progress of Nigeria.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Musa Krishi, Abbas highlighted the Deputy Speaker’s commitment to the region and his genuine worry about the escalating insecurity that has cast a dark shadow over the area.
Abbas pointed out that the ongoing insecurity in the South-East is hampering daily life and significantly hindering socio-economic activities in a region known for its resourcefulness and economic prowess.
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Referring to the Peace in the South East Project as a “historic and patriotic endeavor,” Abbas pointed out the importance of restoring peace to a region that, between 1956 and 1965, was recognized as the fastest-growing economy in Africa and Asia.
He highlighted the South-East’s continued role as an economic powerhouse in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in trade and commerce.
“From Aba to Adamawa and Enugu to Europe, Igbo are known to be entrepreneurial, resourceful, peace-loving, savvy, tenacious and peace-loving. That is the character of the Igbo. That is who you are. Three of your cities, Aba, Onitsha and Nnewi, are among the most industrialised in Nigeria.
“A sizeable chunk of the major investments in many parts of Nigeria are Igbo-owned. Your contributions to the Nigerian economy, either through imports, business investments, or Diaspora remittances, among others, are indisputable.
“The contributions of the Igbo are apparent not only with regard to the economy but also in all fields of human endeavour, including literature, academia, the creative industry and many more.”
Despite the South-East’s abundant natural resources, the Speaker emphasized that the region frequently grapples with challenges such as separatist agitations, unrest, and terrorism.
The speaker highlighted the substantial impact on both lives and property resulting from these issues.
To effectively tackle these problems, the speaker stressed the importance of stakeholders comprehending their underlying causes as a crucial first step.