Kalu says sit at home, gun men unknown, foreign to Igbo land
…as Ohanaeze Ndigbo PG calls for unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu
By Tom Okpe
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Benjamin Okezie Kalu has stated that observance of sit-at-home is unknown, gunmen and other social vices are alien and abhorrent to Igboland socially, economically and culturally.
He revealed that his office has unveiled a mechanism that will ultimately end insecurity in the south east and restore normalcy in the economic and social life of Ndigbo.
Unveiling the mechanism as ‘Peace In The South East,’ (PISE) project, he said soon, his office in agreement with lawmakers from the region, irrespective of the political parties will reach out to the State Governors and other critical stakeholders for the launch and implementation of the project.
He also said the project will feature a regional security integration and political leadership that will streamline an agenda for the promotion of Igbo cause and growth in terms of infrastructure.
Kalu made this revelation during a courtesy call on him by the national leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural group led by its President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu at his office on Friday, bemoans the insecurity in the south east.
He added that the sit at home order, observed in the region every Monday has crippled businesses and left the region empty.
Kalu who vehemently objected to the order, stated that Ndigbo must extend their handshakes across the federation to restore confidence.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his benevolence to Ndigbo by ensuring that the people of the south east were accorded a place in the political hierarchy of the country.
While stressing his relationship with the speaker of the 10th House, Rep Tajudeen Abbas, Kalu said he will be delighted in accommodating the requests of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in stamping out insecurity in the south east.
He said: “Let me also state that, in our pursuit for these noble objectives, it is imperative that we draw a clear distinction between a legitimate call for justice, equity and fairness against criminal activities. There is a difference between the two of them.
“I’m here today, not just as the representative of the people of Bende, but as a representative of all Nigerians.
“The House of Representatives is actually named the House of the People for a reason. The 10th House of Representatives led by my Principal, Rep Abbas, who is currently in India and who has sent his greetings and who would love to host you when he is back, as we arrange your next visit, will be here.
“With him, we will ensure that there is justice, fairness and equity, including the Igbos.
“We are not known for self destruction that is evident in the idea of sit at home or unknown gun men.
“It is not our thing. It is alien to us. We don’t kill one another. We love our trade, we love our farms. We don’t sit at home,” he said.
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Earlier in his presentation, the President-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu called for the release of leader of defunct Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, saying it will help restore peace in the South East.
“Ohaneze has decided that we want Nnamdi Kanu released. We think that every effort should be made to release Nnamdi Kanu. If he’s released, it’s going to make it easy for us,” he said.
