..Over N30 million generated within 24 hours
By Tom Okpe
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has inaugurated a 7-man Peace Fund Committee to help raise financial assistance for the victims of insecurity in the South East region.
Recall that the Deputy Speaker, during his condolence visit to 144 Battalion Headquarters in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State on Sunday, announced the setting up of the Committee, and subsequently made a donation of N10 million to kick start the process.
Barely 24 hours after the launching of the Fund, over N30 million has been contributed by well-meaning members of society, from around the country and abroad.
Inaugurating the Committee in Bende Local government Area of Abia State Sunday night, Kalu named a member of Peace In South East Project, PISE-P, Chief Daniel Akwari as Chairman, and another member, Mrs Mary Ikoku as Secretary.
Also, a former speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Martins Azubuike is to serve as the treasurer while another member of PISE-P, Sam Ifeanyi Hart will serve as the Publicity Secretary.
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Other members of the Committee included the former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu; the member representing Bogoro/Das/ Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State in the House of Representatives, Rep Jaafaru Leko as well as the member, representing Birnin Kebbi Kalgo Bunza Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, Rep Ibrahim Mohammed.
While charging them to be accountable and transparent in their operations, Kalu said the Peace Fund was in consonance with the rehabilitation objective of PISE-P, which he founded alongside members of the parliament from the South East region.
The Deputy Speaker also stated that the programme was in tune with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in restoring hope in many families affected by insecurity.
He said: “Remembering the widows and family members of our fallen heroes in the security forces will make them proud that their husband’s did not labour in vain and motivate those still serving to give their all on their job.
“Your mandate also extends to Communities that have been ravaged by insecurity to provide succour to them and restore their hope.
“You are the kick-starters of the Project. Your Committee will soon be expanded to accommodate other interests and critical stakeholders. You are starting from the South East but your mandate will extend beyond the region in due course.”
Reacting to the killing of the soldiers in Aba, Chairman of the Fund Committee, Chief Akwari described the incident as unfortunate.
“Let me start by saying that what happened in Aba is one of the most unfortunate incidents. I see people behaving like complete mad people. I wonder what makes human beings to take up arms to go and fight the military.”
Similarly, the Committee’s treasurer, Azubuike condemned the ill development.
Other members of the PISE-P who also condemned the act and lauded the setting up of the Fund included the former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka and also another former Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Stanley Ohajuruka.
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