Posted by Regarding the possible release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who is the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has offered some optimism.
Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), has been in jail for quite some time; the Supreme Court just ordered his retrial, as reported by HEALTHYSPOT101
Many people are upset over his imprisonment; for example, on Mondays, people in the South-East region are sitting at home.
While Kanu’s freedom is still a topic of discussion, Kalu made the statement while appearing digitally on Tuesday’s “South East political Roundtable” radio show on FLO FM in Umuahia.
The young, he said, should make it a priority to put an end to the sit-ins, since they were discouraging investors who would otherwise help advance the area.
Kalu pleaded with the armed men to disarm and participate in the non-violent strategy being advocated to put an end to the security problems and other forms of public unrest, while simultaneously discussing the successes of the newly announced Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is engaged in the development of the South-East, according to Kalu, who pleaded for cooperation to help his administration perform effectively.
His main point was that they couldn’t just announce everything on social media. I’m his brother. Does he factor into our plans in any way? Of course! Making ensuring he gets released is something we’re working on. A brother’s incarceration is something no one desires.
Underground operations are underway. An intricate plan exists. It’s not going to be violent; the government will not budge in response to threats of violence. That strategy has failed time and time again. Let us gain wisdom. Peace be with the wise. The bloodshed must end.
In a disorganized state, it will fail. Come on, let’s relax. Show the man that you’ve noticed that he didn’t have anything to do with his incarceration or the South-East.
He and his government deserve our support, not our attacks. I am adamantly advocating nonviolence in the face of calls for violence. This is my purpose in being here; I want him to hear the word of peace reverberate throughout the Villa so that he can emerge. Mr. President is pleased with the outcome in Bende, which shows that the entire nation is rallying behind this project.
We are not strong because of the number of weapons we own or the number of individuals we have threatened not to show up on Monday; such displays do not represent the strength of an Igbo man.
Igbo men are not the kind to stay in all weekend and only hit the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday; on the contrary, we are builders who never give up and who, when we fall, always get back up and keep going. This is my rallying cry to the people of our nation.
We can include you in the restoration process. We can include you in the process of making amends. We can arrange for your rehabilitation, and the Igbo people have the attention of Nigeria’s president.
Consider his accomplishment: we finally got our Chief of Naval Staff after eight long years of waiting. Have I already brought up my friend and minister of works, Senator Dave Umahi? Did I just say “Naval Chief”?
“The only way to repay the president is to declare Monday a workday off. He handed the minister of works position to an Igbo son who had already proven himself in Ebonyi, and the son said, ‘Come and build throughout Nigeria what you did in Ebonyi, beginning with the five states of the south-east.'”
Fifteen millionaires with Igbo ancestry met in Bende for the first time. Why would you want to discourage them when they are prepared to relocate their industry here and construct factories that will hire you? The state is unable to fulfill all of your needs.
It is the desire of our wealthy brothers to return the wealth to our family. Some of them are interested, but they’re afraid to do it because of you. We can’t continue to instill fear in our people for much longer.
One another year has passed. Breaking new ground. A new day has broken, and I implore you to come and stand with us. You will be appointed as the project managers. Stop leading the armed men and instead give yourself a responsibility and a mission.
It is time to end the sit-in on Monday, and I’m calling on everyone who is in favor of it. Give up being a couch potato every Monday.
Our Igbo homeland and our brother, Nnamdi Kanu, are dear to us, and I join your struggle if you want him released. He is still my brother even though he is in prison, and you are still my brother even if you are being disruptive.
However, I am arguing that a more efficient method exists. You can kill rats in a variety of methods. We don’t want to ruin our house, therefore let’s find another approach to get rid of this rat.
“If we band together, I promise you that our demands will be met by this government. Even the one you’re requesting for our brother is within reach.”
For their support of PISE-P, Kalu also thanked the governors of the five eastern states.
The deputy speaker emphasized that the project was solely focused on community service and denied any political overtones.
You really must have the governors of the several southeasterly states. You have my word that everyone there wants the South and East to be at peace. It has the support of all of them. They fully back it.
“You don’t just let governors do the work. Let them start at the top and we’ll meet midway when we’ve played from the bottom. Put an end to our predicament.
A community-based initiative centered on peace, the Peace in the South-East project is not about politics. That is why the PISE-P includes people from various political persuasions.
I promise you, the South-East will change because of this endeavor. There is hope for all the boys with guns; we will find them jobs that will put them to good use.
According to Kalu, PISE-P and Ohanaeze Ndigbo do not have competing agendas.
He said Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, president-general of the highest Igbo socio-cultural body, was the first to hear about the scheme and that he fully supports it.
To what extent do different interests conflict with one another? He wholeheartedly endorses this endeavor. His heart’s desire is for all Igbo people to live in harmony and oneness. “We are collaborating with him,” Kalu announced.