Amidst ongoing agitations in the Southeast, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has urged Igbo leaders to explore avenues for constructive dialogue with the Federal Government to address legitimate grievances.
Speaking at the launch of the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P), a peacebuilding initiative spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Abbas lamented the economic losses incurred by the zone due to the current unrest. He emphasized that “the peace in the South-East is invariably, the peace and progress of the entire Nigeria.”
Acknowledging the region’s economic potential, Abbas highlighted the need to move beyond conflict and find solutions through dialogue. He commended Deputy Speaker Kalu for his initiative, stating that the PISE-P was born out of “deep love for the zone and profound concern over the rise of insecurity.”
He lamented that the wave of insecurity “continues to cripple daily life and significantly paralyse socio-economic endeavours, in a region whose people are renowned for their resourcefulness and economic enterprise.”
Describing the project as “historic and patriotic endeavour” the statement quoted Abbas as saying, “Between 1956 and 1965, the then Eastern region was regarded as the fastest-growing economy in Africa and Asia. Indeed, the South-East has remained an economic powerhouse in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, leading in trade and commerce.
“From Aba to Adamawa and Enugu to Europe, Igbo are known to be entrepreneurial, resourceful, peace-loving, savvy, tenacious and peace-loving. That is the character of the Igbo. That is who you are. Three of your cities, Aba, Onitsha and Nnewi, are among the most industrialised in Nigeria.
“A sizeable chunk of the major investments in many parts of Nigeria are Igbo-owned. Your contributions to the Nigerian economy, either through imports, business investments, or Diaspora remittances, among others, are indisputable.
“The contributions of the Igbo are apparent not only with regard to the economy but also in all fields of human endeavour, including literature, academia, the creative industry and many more.”