SPEAKER URGES IGBO LEADERS TO ENGAGE GOVERNMENT ON LEGITIMATE GRIEVANCES 30-12-22
By Sadiq Aminu The Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr Tajudeen has urged Igbo leaders in the South-East geopolitical zone to engage the government in addressing the legitimate grievances of their people.
Dr Abbas who made the call at the launch of the Peace in the South East Project PISE- P in Bende, Abia State, decried that despite South-East’s economic strengths, agitations in the zone had caused it colossal losses.
The Speaker observed that the PISE-P was borne out of his deputy’s deep love for the zone and profound concern over the rise of insecurity, which has cast a dark shadow over the region.
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.
“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 investment, or diaspora remittances, among others, are indisputable.
“The contributions of the Igbos 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.”
To address these issues effectively, the Speaker said, the stakeholders must first understand their root causes.
The Speaker stated that he believed strongly PISE-P could foster peace, stability and sustainable development in the South-East and restore the vibrancy and prosperity of the people.
He noted that for peace to be sustainable, a multi-faceted approach, as clearly outlined in the seven pillars of the project, must be adopted.