By Mike Ukoha
The Peace in SouthEast project (PISE-P) has been gathering a lot of momentum as prominent Nigerians and those in the Southeast have continued to endorse it. This initiative is timely considering the mood of the people in the Southeast region at the moment. When it is finally unveiled, it will no doubt help in addressing the myriads of challenges bedevilling the region.
Interestingly, there are eight pillars anchored on PISE-P as prospective benefits to the region. This includes: Educational excellence, Agricultural innovation, Thriving Commerce and Industry and Robust infrastructural development. The rest are Rich cultural tourism, Vibrant Sports and entertainment, Effective governance and leadership as well as Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration. Luckily, a bill to establish SouthEast Development Commission (SEDC), has passed through its third reading on the floor of the House of Representatives. This is good news and an outcome of the PISE-P. Suffice to say that the lead sponsor of the bill is our enigmatic and pragmatic Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and all the legislators from the Southeast region.
The Commission when established, will among other things be charged with the responsibility of receiving and managing funds from Federation Allocation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructural deficit in the Southeast as a result of the civil war; and also create employment opportunities for our teeming unemployed youths who are currently agitating. It will also help to bring peace in the region because when our youths are engaged productively, it will definitely deviate their minds from antisocial activities.
Also, the Commission will help to confront erosion menace and other environmental issues in the region.
Significantly, the passage of the bill is coming at a time when the PISE-Project is adopting its approach through a non-kinetic means towards resolving the challenges in the region.
In another development, PISE-P has received the endorsement from Governor Soludo of Anambra State and it’s a positive development.
This unique progress made so far will be incomplete without the mentioning of some of those whom have welcomed this initiative whole heartedly. Firstly, appreciation goes to the Vice President, Kashim Shettima for supporting the non-kinetic approach to insecurity in Southeast; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President. Subsequently, other notable sons and daughters of the region have massively supported financially and a few of them are Chief Arthur Eze, Dr. Emeka Offor, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Anichebe (Obi of Onitsha); Nollywood Stars, and Entertainers have also signed up for peace in SouthEast.
Besides, stakeholders from other regions such as the former Governor of Osun State Chief Bisi Akande, Etsu of Nupe, HRH Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and the Emir of Bichi in Kano State, HRH Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero are all supporting the initiative.
The momentum is indeed, beyond expectation and the build up continues.
Ukoha is former Minority Whip, Abia House of Assembly.
