The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has stated that peace is necessary for the progress, growth, and development of the Southeast region of the country.
Hon. Kalu made this statement on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the National Burial Committee of the late Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, a former Governor of Anambra State who passed away on December 14, 2023, at the age of 85.
He lamented the rising insecurity in the southeast, emphasizing that peace is the only way to make progress and industrialize the region.
Recalling the impressive life and times of the late Okwadike, the Deputy Speaker stated that the indigenes must be interested in the peace of the region because it is the only way to sustain Ezeife’s legacies.
Reeling out plans to achieve the much-needed peace and progress, Kalu recalled the flag-off of the Peace in Southeast Project, an initiative and non-political movement that employs a non-kinetic approach to resolving the problems in the southeast.
Expressing optimism that his bill seeking the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission, which recently passed through first, second, and third reading at the House of Representatives, will also pass in the Senate for onward transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his assent, Kalu also called for support from Nigerians.
He noted that when the bill becomes law, reconstruction will commence in the Southeast, and funds from the Federal Government allocated to the commission will be well-utilized for the purposes of rebuilding post-war reconstruction that has not been attended to for over fifty years.
He expressed sadness at the demise of the late Okwadike while assuring the delegation of his support and that of his colleagues in the National Assembly to ensure that he is honored and given a befitting burial.
Hon. Kalu said: “In recent times, the Southeast has come into the public domain for the wrong reasons. I say wrong reason because Igbo people have what they are known for; anything outside that is a wrong reason, an identity issue.
“We are proud, courageous people, not confused about our identity. We know who we are. We build; we don’t destroy. We give birth; we don’t slaughter children. We don’t kill our mothers, we don’t kill our brothers, we don’t sacrifice our fathers. That was not what our forefathers bequeathed to us. Peace is the only way to make progress and industrialize.
“You may recall on the 29th of December, we flagged off the Peace in the Southeast Project, a non-political movement using a non-kinetic approach to the resolution of our problems in the southeast because we are tired of using the sounds of guns and barrels to slaughter Southeastern sons, which has not given us a lasting solution.
“We are saying come, let’s discuss together, let us find alternative resolutions to our hydra-headed problems. We are not saying we don’t have problems; we are saying there are other strategic approaches available for reconciliation, for rebuilding, for reconstruction that we’re looking for.
“The Southeast Development Commission passed the first reading, second reading, and third reading. A great feat that didn’t survive the 7th Assembly, 8th Assembly, and 9th Assembly. It’s a thing of hope that through that particular platform reconstruction will commence in the Southeast.
“And I’m sure we’ll cross this bridge, destination, the harmony, socioeconomic integration of the southeast will be achieved. The infrastructure that will stimulate the economy of the region will come out. If these were not the dreams of our forefathers and the recent general, I wonder what it is. I know dreams do come to pass; big visions are made missions.
“It’s really sad and painful that a few months ago, we lost our dear brother and Elder Statesman. Although it’s difficult to come to terms with his passing, we are grateful for the time he spent on earth and the legacy he left behind. Okwadike’s story demonstrates the limitless success that determination and work ethic can achieve, even in the face of the harshest circumstances.
“He was a man who never let his earlier circumstances in life dictate his eventual status. Growing up, I was thrilled by his drive and capacity to inspire. For me and a good number of us, his achievements and various milestones are matters of courage and the supremacy of the human spirit. May his soul rest in peace.”
Earlier, the delegation led by its Chairman, Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo, congratulated Hon. Kalu on his emergence as Deputy Speaker, saying that he’s a sagacious and intelligent leader who has discharged his responsibility creditably.
Soliciting his support for the upcoming burial of the Elder Statesman, Nwodo said, “We felt that the first duty of this National Burial Committee will be to pay a courtesy visit. Not only because you deserve it as our political leader, but because you’re leading us well. We wish to brief you about the plans we are making to honor our late colleague and friend, Elder Statesman Okwadike Igboukwu, His Excellency Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
“We are celebrating his life, and we look forward to you and members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to honor him on that day. It will be a day of celebration. We want to partner with you to lead this. We want to inaugurate this committee on Thursday, and we hope you will find time to be there.”
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