The governors of the states in the Southeast have emphasized how important peace is to the region's economic growth. This proclamation was made on December 29, 2023, the same day as the Peace In South-East Project (PISE-P) was unveiled in Bende Local Government Area, Abia State. The project was started by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and its goal is to use non-kinetic methods to handle security issues.The governors of the South-East, led by Senator Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo State and the chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace in the area.
Along with applauding Deputy Speaker Kalu for taking the initiative, Governor Uzodinma stressed the need to restore peace quickly in light of the current state of unrest.
READ MORE: PISE-P announces a hashtag for an initiative aimed at promoting peace and security in the Southeast
"The events of 2021 to date have created immense insecurity in the region," he declared. All of us—those who reside here at home and abroad, as well as our brothers and sisters from every region of the nation—find it concerning.
At a security summit in Owerri, the governors of the South-East region, in collaboration with Ohaneze, decided to take all necessary steps to bring peace to the area and reduce the level of insecurity that currently exists there.
"After that, our brother, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, created this peace project as one of the events honoring his return.
"This is a great idea that deserves praise. We are in favor of anything that would bring peace to the Southeast. I applaud him for coming up with this great idea and for his hard work. We governors of the South-East applaud him.
READ MORE: Ribadu praises the PISE-P initiative and calls it a brave step toward bringing peace back to the Southeast
Reading the Bende Peace Declaration, Abia State Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed the region's commitment to peace as a driver of advancement and economic success. The statement expresses a shared desire for harmony, wealth, and assurance in creating a more promising future for the Southeast.
"We, the people of the South East, thus declare that our shared values are peace and harmony. For prosperity, we proclaim peace. Peace for advancement.
READ MORE: Nnamdi Kanu: PISE-P urges composure and reports that negotiations to free IPOB leader are ongoing
"We support peace in the South East as a stimulus for economic progress across the board and to restore the trust of coming generations. We say that having peace is preferable. Udo ka nma
According to Otti, "May this day, December 29, 2023, at Bende, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, South East Nigeria."
Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the event on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, signaling a critical turning point in the fight against insecurity and the advancement of stability in the South-East.