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Insecurity In S/East: PISE-P Deploys Non-Kinetic Measures
This region, once known for its entrepreneurship and innovation, had been severely affected by kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, ritual killings, and various forms of unrest. The advent of ideologically driven disruptions has caused significant socio-economic damage.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Criminal groups, under names such as unknown gunmen, ESN, and Biafran National Guard, have terrorized the region for the past three years. Their violent enforcement of sit-at-home orders, destruction of property, and killings have destabilized the economy and peace of the area.
A study by Nextier SPD highlighted that non-state armed groups killed 83 civilians and 36 security personnel in the first half of 2022 alone. Additionally, in April 2022, gunmen killed 31 people in Ebonyi and Anambra states within 72 hours, among other violent incidents.
The South East zonal chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reported that over 100 people died weekly due to rising crime rates. This alarming situation has driven away investors and tourists, causing businesses to lose millions.
Developmental Initiative
In response to this crisis, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, launched the Peace In South East – Project (PISE-P) in Bende, Abia State, on December 29, 2023. This initiative aims to address these challenges, restore peace, and unlock the region’s potential through non-kinetic measures.
Kalu emphasized the project’s vision to foster peace, unity, and development through a non-kinetic approach, addressing the root causes of conflict, including socio-economic disparities and political tensions.
Action Plan
PISE-P’s six-month action plan focuses on eight development pillars: education, agriculture, commerce/industry, infrastructure, culture/tourism, sports/entertainment, governance/leadership, and reconciliation/rehabilitation/reintegration. This strategic plan aims to improve healthcare delivery and other developmental pursuits.
Kalu highlighted the project’s goals of promoting reconciliation, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable development.
Efforts for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
Kalu is also working to secure the release of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, through political solutions alongside ongoing court processes. Kalu’s persistent advocacy for Kanu’s release has been commended by the Concerned Igbo Community in the USA.
Food for Peace Initiative
PISE-P launched the Food for Peace Initiative (FPI), distributing food items across the region to enhance food security and promote peace. This initiative signifies a crucial step towards achieving the project’s goals.
Partnerships and Support
PISE-P has partnered with Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) to establish Community Enterprise Digital Hubs, bridging the digital divide in remote areas. The project has also received support from key stakeholders, including political, religious, traditional, and community leaders.
Security expert Chikwe Udensi donated crime-detecting software and hardware to support PISE-P, enhancing the project’s capability to fight crime.
Endorsements
Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, along with the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, have endorsed the project, highlighting its potential to bring lasting peace and security to the region.
Nollywood actors and other entertainment industry figures have also supported the initiative, recognizing its importance in restoring peace in Igboland.
Impact on Business and Economy
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) praised PISE-P’s efforts to restore sanity in Igboland, noting the positive impact on the region’s economic fortunes.
Revitalizing Owerri
The Imo Youth Mandate (IYM) noted significant improvements in Owerri, where investors and tourists are returning, and nightlife is reviving. The group’s convener, Paul Eso, commended Kalu’s commitment to restoring peace in the South East through PISE-P.
In summary, PISE-P’s non-kinetic measures are gradually restoring peace and stability in the South East, with broad support from various stakeholders and positive impacts on the region’s socio-economic landscape.
The National Vice-Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has maintained that there is no constitutional provision preventing Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, from contesting the Imo West senatorial seat in the 2027 elections while still serving as governor.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Arodiogbu, who also serves as the South-East Co-Zonal Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, made the clarification while responding to arguments questioning the governor’s eligibility.
He cited Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution, which states that “the Governor shall not, during the period when he holds office, hold any other executive office or paid employment in any capacity whatsoever.”
According to him, the provision only prohibits a sitting governor from occupying two offices simultaneously and does not prevent the person from seeking a party nomination, contesting or winning another election.
Arodiogbu also referenced Section 68(1)(f) of the Constitution, which requires a lawmaker to vacate his legislative seat upon assuming an executive position.
He argued that the provision recognises the possibility of moving between executive and legislative offices, provided the two positions are not held at the same time.
He said, “There is no constitutional impediment against Senator Hope Uzodinma’s aspiration. The Constitution does not require a sitting governor to resign merely because he desires to contest another election. What it forbids is dual occupancy of offices.
“Should he win the senatorial election, he would resign as Governor before taking the oath of office as a Senator. That is the clear position of the law.”
The APC chieftain further stated that appellate courts, in interpreting Sections 66, 107, 137, 182 and 183 of the Constitution, had held that resignation was only necessary when a candidate was about to assume a new office.
He added that no provision of the Electoral Act imposes a general restriction on a sitting governor seeking election into the Senate.
Arodiogbu also argued that Uzodimma’s tenure, which is expected to end in January 2028, does not constitute a legal obstacle, insisting that any transition would be carried out in accordance with the Constitution after the inauguration of the new National Assembly.
He said, “The law is clear, the Constitution is clear, and the judicial authorities support this position.
“Those peddling the contrary view are either deliberately misinterpreting the Constitution or attempting to create political distraction. Senator Hope Uzodinma remains free to pursue his legitimate political aspiration without any constitutional disability.”
He reaffirmed the APC’s support for Uzodimma as its candidate for the Imo West senatorial seat and urged party members to disregard what he described as speculative legal arguments.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja had, on October 29, ruled that former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, won the APC senatorial primary for the district.
The Imo State Government has indicated that it would appeal the judgment.
Human rights activist and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has vowed that the party will adopt a tougher approach ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Yesufu declared that the NDC would be both refined and rugged, insisting that no group or individual had a “monopoly of madness.”
She warned that the party would not tolerate intimidation or attacks against its members, adding that supporters would stand their ground whenever they were threatened.
Naija News reports that she made the declaration on Thursday following an attack on NDC supporters ahead of the party’s town hall meeting at the Classic Event Centre in the Oregun area of Lagos State.
According to Yesufu, the political campaign was not solely about the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, but belonged to everyone supporting the movement.
She said, “In 2023 we were refined, in 2027 we will be refined and rugged. Nobody has monopoly of madness and anybody wey say him dey crase we go send am go psychiatric hospital. We are not slaves, we are citizens. This campaign is not Peter Gregory Obi campaign, it is our campaign.”
Recall that the NDC town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos State, turned violent after suspected political thugs invaded the venue and attacked party supporters.
According to The Cable, the attackers, who were armed with cutlasses, cudgels and stones, disrupted the event and forced participants to flee for safety.
Chairs and other items at the venue were reportedly scattered during the attack.
The incident allegedly left some supporters injured and several vehicles damaged. A journalist covering the event was also reportedly assaulted, while his recording equipment was taken.
The confrontation later spread to Kudirat Abiola Way, disrupting traffic before police operatives arrived and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The Zamfara State Commissioner for Commerce, Tasiu Musa Shinkafi, has died at the age of 50.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Shinkafi reportedly passed away on Wednesday in Kaduna State following a brief illness.
News reports that Governor Dauda Lawal announced the commissioner’s death in a statement issued through his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.
Reacting to the development, Lawal expressed sadness over the loss, describing Shinkafi’s death as an irreparable loss to the state government and the people of Zamfara.
The governor noted that the late commissioner’s contributions to governance, politics and public service would remain memorable.
He said, “With heavy hearts and in total submission to the will of Almighty Allah (T), we received the shocking news of the passing of the Commissioner for Commerce, Tasiu Musa Shinkafi.
“Tasiu’s death is a great loss not only to his family and the state government, but also to the people of Zamfara.
“He will be remembered for his dedication, honesty, and commitment to Zamfara State.
“He served diligently as Commissioner for Youth and Sport before being redeployed to the Ministry of Commerce.
“As a valued member of my administration and a brother in service, his contributions to governance, politics, and public service will be remembered.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and give his family the strength to bear this great loss.”
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