Northern community in Abia, Methodist bishops, pledge support for peace in S’East
The Northern community and the Bishops of Methodist Church in Abia State, have respectively, pledged to support the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) to ensure it achieves its objectives.
PISE-P, the brain child of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu which calls for a non kinetic approach to resolving the security issues in the south East region, was on December 30, 2023, formally unveiled by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the Deputy Speaker in his Bende country home on Friday, the leader of the northern community, Alhaji Saliru Idris said they will rally round Kalu to ensure the aim of the project is sufficiently achieved.
A release by the Deputy Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, quoted the Alhaji Idris as appreciating Kalu for coming to the aid of the northern community when the Lokpanta cattle market in Umunneochi LGA got burnt.
Idris said: “We will rally round to support this movement. Part of the reason we are here is because, when our brothers in the cattle market had a problem, when you heard about it, you asked me what was the problem. Immediately you took action by forming a committee of the House of Representatives who were sent to this place for a fact finding mission.
“The people were overwhelmed with joy and pleaded with me that whenever an opportunity comes for them to thank you physically, they will like it. That’s why when they heard about this, they quickly said let’s come and show you the appreciation. That made us to believe that, indeed, we have a brother in the House of Representatives”.
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker sued for peace amongst them and their host communities.
“The northerners are very trustworthy, that’s the truth. We are one nation. We are one. We should always find a reason to come together. I have northerners working with me.
“This is the spirit I want to build around Nigeria. Let me tell you, because of my love for one Nigeria, that was why the Emir of Kano, and Emir of Bichi were here for the unveiling of PISE-P.
“It’s the first since 1914, you have the leader of the south west, Ooni of Ife here, Emir of Bichi, Kano, Obi of Onitsha all in one place talking about peace. Some donated cows, money and so on. They said they like what we are doing. I want you to like what we are doing as well because you will benefit from it. Let’s have one Nigeria where there’s peace”, Kalu said.
Similarly, Bishops of Methodist Church led by the Arch Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, His Grace, Chibuzor Okpoko said the Church will fully get involved in spreading the message of peace across the south east and indeed, Nigeria in general.
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