From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said plans are on to deploy “Peace Marshals”, across the South East, as part of efforts to restore peace to the zone.
Kalu, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, stated this while addressing members of Club 17 Peace Movement, Abia State Caucus and Local Government Executives. The deputy speaker explained that the “peace marshals” will be an arm of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), with the task of preaching peace and reconciliation in the South East.
Kalu, while calling for continuous support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, said the present administration has been very supportive of the Igbo nation. He expressed optimism that when the South East Development Commission (SEDC) is eventually established, it will bring solutions to the problems of Ndigbo.
“I like you people, you have quality men here; I can tell you without mincing words that you people know what you’re doing. I celebrate the power of the mind, the brain. If you’re able to articulate, I respect you more.
“I saw how your executive articulated your position, bringing into play what’s currently happening with South East Development Commission, what happened on the 29th of December PISE-P, the interventions we are making, the jobs we’re creating, appointments we’re bringing down home, my efforts towards releasing our brother, Nnamdi Kanu, which means that you’re in tune with things happening around you.
“When we succeed with the Southeast Development Commission, some people here should play a role. The SEDC will be bringing the solution that we have since over 50 years post civil war. How do we stop this marginalisation; how do we develop our place? We are indigenous people, we use little and make it much. I made it clear in that bill, I was very expressive about it,” he stated.