From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) has said its bid to engender peace in the South East geo-political zone cannot be complete without the release of leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The PISE-P, in a statement by its media office, responding to comments credited to IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, urging it to intensify efforts for Kanu’s release, said it was delighted that the group has recognised its efforts in ensuring that peace returns to the South East.
It stated that the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who is championing the PISE-P is concerned about the security and the economic well being of Ndigbo.
“PISE-P received this press release( from IPOB) with gladness because it means that a conversation has commenced on the issues affecting our people in the region.
“While thanking all the aggrieved ones in the South East for the peace they maintained during the Yuletide and the new year celebrations, the conveners of the peace project urge all interested groups including the IPOB to accept to sustain the peace they contributed to during the season. The benefits of peace cannot be overemphasised.
“While we encourage the government to embrace these non-kinetic ways of solving our issues without bullets and guns which they have embraced, the people should reciprocate by being intentional in avoiding threats and comments that incite violence, hatred and bitterness.
“We are preaching no more guns and bullets and bloods of our brothers on the streets of the South East and to preach against it can only come from the real enemies of the south east.
“Peace in the South East project cannot be complete without the core element of the advocacy to release our brother Nnamdi Kanu and we insist that conversations are ongoing to get him out whether conditionally or unconditionally.
“PISE- P will continue in our fight to achieve this because at the end, what matters is that we have peace in the region and yes, this is fundamental to our quest. On this point, we are on the same page with IPOB and nothing more.
“Violence, threats and fear as tools have not helped us to release Kanu. Let’s continue with this dialogue and the peace we all worked for our people to enjoy recently. Support and encourage peace anywhere and everywhere. It does not make anyone weak but makes everyone stronger. Don’t give up on peace. Let’s partner for peace, if not for anything for our brother to be released.
“Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu is not after any political interest at this stage of his political pedigree. He is not looking for anything especially when his south east is in turmoil. Peace, first, begets political leadership or aspiration of any sort. Let’s keep our region peaceful and safe. We are fighting for the same interest in the region.”