Naijahood
On Friday, Vice President Kashim Shettima affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s unwavering commitment to quelling the wave of terror in the South East region. Speaking at the launch of the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) organized by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu in Bende Local Government Area of Abia, Shettima strongly condemned self-serving criminals and individuals exploiting the security situation for their perilous political motives in the region.
Highlighting Tinubu’s concern for the economic devastation inflicted on the South East since assuming office, Shettima pledged the administration’s determination to utilize all available resources to eradicate purveyors of falsehoods and propaganda threatening Nigeria’s unity.
In his address titled “Why We are all Umunna,” Shettima emphasized Tinubu’s awareness of the economic havoc caused by non-state actors in the region and the need to address the sinister operations of economic saboteurs posing as advocates for the Ndi-Igbo. He stressed Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring genuine peace in the region, urging collective vigilance against misinformation.
Shettima underscored that criminal activities in the South East were orchestrated by self-serving elements and not representative of the interests of Ndi-Igbo or the entire nation. He refuted claims that terror groups in the region were creations of the people, emphasizing the administration’s approach of not holding entire groups accountable for the actions of law-breaking individuals.
The Vice President pointed out that disruptive criminals in the South East were collaborating with forces exploiting the situation for dangerous political agendas. Despite challenges, Shettima asserted that attempts to undermine the efforts of past national heroes would fail, emphasizing the necessity of involving the people as the ears, legs, and mouths of the region in resolving the crisis.
Standing united, Shettima declared “enough is enough” and called for a coordinated intervention to directly confront insecurity in the region. He assured the people of the South East that the Tinubu administration would tirelessly work to fulfill its pledge and mitigate the crisis inherited from past challenges.
The Vice President emphasized that President Tinubu stands as the ideal visionary to prevent the nation from potential implosion. He highlighted that the Federal Government’s developmental agenda in the southeast would persistently evade the region unless the complex network of security challenges inherited by the Tinubu-led administration is effectively addressed.
He expressed the belief that progress can only flourish in the fertile grounds of peace and security. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration and initiatives like the Peace in Southeast Project, he stated, “This will ensure that the shield of security in the region isn’t a distant mirage in the landscape of aspirations.”
Commending the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and initiator of the peace initiative, Kalu, for his commitment to restoring lasting peace in the region, the Vice President remarked that the event underscores the deep understanding that communities themselves are best positioned to comprehend their own experiences.
Kalu, the convener of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), shared his goal of promoting peace, unity, and development in the region. He explained that the project also seeks to foster reconciliation among communities and individuals affected by past conflicts.
“When I initiated the South East Project, my vision was clear — to foster peace, unity, and development in our region through a non-kinetic approach. Despite the rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, and enterprising people in the south east, we have encountered challenges such as socioeconomic disparities, insecurities, political tensions, and occasional conflicts.”
Kalu outlined the goals of the South East Project, emphasizing the aim to promote reconciliation, address root causes of conflict, and empower communities by providing necessary resources, skills, and opportunities for sustainable development.
