When Abia Stood Still For Benjamin Kalu
ONE big lesson from the homecoming reception for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu is that “we are better as Nigerians when we stay together.”
The reception was an assemblage of who’s who in Nigeria as guests came from across all multifaceted regions, tribes, religions to the deputy Speaker.
Based on the physical turnout of some of the best breeds, most powerful and influential individuals in Nigeria at the event which was held recently at the Bende Sports Arena in the ancient town of Bende, in Abia State, it was proved that indeed Nigeria can remain solidified progressively in peace and unity.
Those in attendance were the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Deputy Senate President Jubrin Barau who was there on behalf of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, along with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
Others present were all the Governors of Southeast, past and present, Traditional Royal fathers, such as the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe ( Chairman of the Occasion), the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Sultan of Sokoto represented by the Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayaro, and Oba Rufus Olarewaju, Ajayi Ogidi Olu Arilewola 11, Oba of Gbomina Ekiti Tapa kingdom, Ekiti State.
The highlight of the event which was organised by the Peace In the Southeast Project ( PISE- P) team, in collaboration with the Bende community was the official unveiling of the Peace in the Southeast Project and its eight pillars. PISE- P is a response to the detrimental effects of agitations, economic downturns, and security issues hence the adoption of a multi- stakeholder approach to restore peace and stimulate the region. The Project is an initiative of the members of the 10th National Assembly from the Southeast, led by the Deputy Speaker. The project, which is a transformative fiveyear initiative, seeks an end to the persistent insecurity in the Southeast. Also, the event witnessed conferment of Chieftaincy titles on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, amongst others.
A thanksgiving service preceded the reception where the presiding Pastor Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy International in his sermons admonished Igbos to collectively fight to change the narrative of insecurity in the region.
Pastor Eze called for an end to blood spills on the streets of Southeast, and extolled the virtues of the Deputy Speaker for not only driving the PISE- P initiative but also for his enormous contributions to the people of Southeast. He prayed for the return of an enduring peace in the region. In his address, the Chairman of the occasion and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, praised Kalu for his role in initiating and driving the Southeast project, clarifying that the greatest desire of the people of Southeast is peace. He said: “Peace is the basis of development. Peace and reconciliation start today.”
The revered traditional leader called for a collective effort to end the crises. “We just have to join forces and make things happen. We want peace and reconciliation in Igboland. Our strength is in what we can do for ourselves.”