By Mike Ukoha
The Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), an initiative of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu, is gaining wide acceptance due to its significance in the rebuilding of peace in the South East.
This new approach looks good in the sense that the entire members of the National Assembly from the South East are in agreement to apply a non-kinetic method in tackling insecurity in the region.
Through the non-kinetic approach, members of the National Assembly from the South East can assist the region by attracting more constituency projects in the various constituencies and districts in the area, holding periodic town hall meetingswith the people so as to ascertain their immediate needs, liaising with governors from the region to provide direct impact palliatives as they affect the people. Also, lawmakers from the South East, in conjunction with governors from the region, must interface with the government at the federal level so as to assist the region by bringing more federal government presence such as facilities, federal institutions and agencies to create jobs for the youths and women so as to give them a sense of belonging. This is the essence and objectives of this PISE-P initiative. Therefore, being a novel initiative, it is necessary that the governors, elected officials at National/State Assembly and stakeholders from the region rally round and embrace it. To achieve this, there’s need to put away any form of rivalry and partisan politics and work with concerted effort.
Above all, this PISE-P initiative remains a recipe for peace in the South East region because it adopts non-violent approach, which makes it easier for the people to embrace it wholeheartedly. Findings have shown that this approach is the best as it has worked in many African countries, especially in the West African region.
It is no longer news that the South East region of Nigeria has in the past couple of years witnessed a high level of insecurity, which has culminated in kidnapping of innocent citizens and ransom paid in order for these hapless individuals to regain their freedom. Other nefarious activities such as armed robbery, ritual killings and all forms of uprising have made the region continually lose its socioeconomic importance. But the good news is that the insecurity in the area will soon be a thing of the past.
It is noteworthy to state that the South East region is the hub of entrepreneurship and innovation. Thus, the widely known and accepted apprenticeship programme stands to be advanced and supported to thrive for the benefit of the private sector, youths and women. Therefore, PISE-P will provide, anchor and foster entrepreneurship and innovation.
However, beyond the PISE-P initiative, there are other ways by which lasting peace can be achieved in Igboland.
We may never have thought of seeking multiple options in tackling our myriad of challenges bedevilling the South East (peace inclusive).
To begin with, have the people of the South East thought of the need to harness digital technology in improving the economic well-being of the region? In the 21st century, digital trade is innovative and promoting it in the region will enhance our dominance in trading. This is where trained professionals from the region and those in large-scale businesses can come together to utilise digital trade in creating more micro and macro enterprises, which will in turn create massive employment for our teeming unemployed youths from the region. Moreover, creative industries which are in Onitsha, Aba and other parts of the South East can become part of this digital tech, which will in turn also create job opportunities.
In addition, it is very important for governors from the South East region to lend their collective support towards this initiative to situate complimentary developmental goals in their states where there are comparative advantages. Through financial assistance from World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) these goals such as SMEs, production centres, etc., will create a lot of job opportunities for our youths and women.
Furthermore, when all the aforementioned approaches are put to work, they will no doubt help to bring lasting peace, which will also attract those in the diaspora, international donor agencies and nonprofit organisations to come in, pool resources so as to boost the economic development of the region. Incidentally, the South East region at present commands a sizeable population globally. These highly skilled hands are making giant strides in the field of healthcare and are ready to step in and transform the region, thereby making it a medical destination once a thriving peace is achieved and sustained.
The South East can also seize the opportunity of the federal government’s privatisation to improve the situation in the region through public-private partnership, which will also generate employment and help in curbing restiveness.
It is to be noted that the PISE-P initiative as a non-kinetic approach towards tackling insecurity in the South East has helped in renewing hope for lasting peace in the region.
In conclusion, the official unveiling of the PISE-Project will take place in December at Bende Town in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. It will also coincide with the homecoming and civic reception of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
Let the lasting peace begin in earnest.
•Ukoha is former Minority Whip/Member Abia House of Assembly