In a recent meeting with the Directors of the Institute for Peace, Security and Development Studies (IPSDS) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, announced that the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill will soon be transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his assent.
The bill, which has passed through third reading in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, is currently at the Conference Committee stage for finalization. Kalu expressed his gratitude to the Institute for their partnership with the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), an initiative aimed at addressing the region’s infrastructural challenges through non-kinetic means.
The Deputy Speaker emphasized the need for a de-radicalization program for weapon bearers in the South East, stressing the importance of providing alternative livelihoods and skills to those who have been radicalized. He also called for the establishment of reconciliation platforms, such as truth and reconciliation committees, to help heal the wounds of the past.
Kalu commended the Institute for their commitment to peace and development in the region and urged them to continue providing valuable insights and evidence-based solutions to address the complex issues of conflict and insecurity.
The Co-Chairman of the Institute, Chief Chikwe Udensi, reiterated their support for the Deputy Speaker’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of peace and security in achieving progress and development in the region.
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