The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has stated that effort to release Nnamdi Kanu from detention is ongoing.
Kalu disclosed this in an interview in Umuahia, Abia state.
The Deputy speaker, however, advised the youth to ensure that the observance of sit-at-home must stop; emphasizing that it was scaring many investors who want to contribute to the development of the region.
Kalu, who also spoke on the gains of the recently unveiled Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, asked those carrying arms to lay down their weapons and join in the non-kinetic approach being canvassed to end the security challenges and other agitations of the people.
Kalu called for support to enable the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver optimally, saying that the president was interested in the development of the South-East.
“We are working underground. There’s a detailed strategy. It’s not by violence; you can’t coerce the government through violence. It has never worked and won’t work. Let’s be wiser. The wisdom is in peace. Let’s quench the violence”.
“We should support him and his government and not attack him. I’m standing firmly against the voice of violence, preaching peace. That is what I’m here for, this voice of peace will echo through the Villa and he will come out. Mr President was happy with what happened in Bende, that the whole country can gather together and support this project”.
“We can bring you into the rebuilding that we are doing. We can bring you into the reconciliation. We can bring you in for rehabilitation and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is interested in the Igbos”.
He added that, “Our brothers who have money want to bring it back home. Some of them want to do it but you are scaring them away. How long are we going to sell fear to our people?
“This is a new year. This is a new era. This is a new dawn and I urge you, come and join hands with us. We will make you the leaders of this project. Don’t lead those carrying guns, let’s give you responsibility, and let’s give you a task.”
“And I call on all of you who are in support of the sit-at-home on Monday, it is time to stop. It is time to stop the sit-at-home on Mondays.
“Let us come together and unite and I can assure you that once we unite, there is nothing we ask this government that we cannot get, including the one you are asking for our brother, it is also achievable.”
Kalu also appreciated the governors of the 5-Eastern states for the support they are giving to PISE-P, adding that there was nothing political about the project, stressing that it was all about community service.
“The peace in South-East project is not politics; it’s about a community project anchored on peace. That’s why members of the PISE-P are from different political parties.
“I can assure you, through this project the South-East will not remain the same. All the boys who are carrying guns, there’s hope for them, because we will get them gainfully employed, they won’t be wasted”.
Kalu also stated that there was no clash of interest between PISE-P and Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
According to him, the idea of the project was first communicated to the President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, adding that he is in full support of the project. He’s passionate about the peace and unity of Igbo land. We are partnering with him.