The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called on Igbo leaders to engage with the Federal Government in order to address their legitimate grievances.
Tajudeen, speaking at the launch of the Peace in the South East Project, which was initiated by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, expressed his concerns over the economic losses caused by agitations in the South-East.
He emphasized that peace in the region would contribute to the overall progress and prosperity of Nigeria as a whole.
Tajudeen’s statement, as conveyed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Musa Krishi, also highlighted the Deputy Speaker’s genuine care for the zone and his growing worry about the rise of insecurity that has negatively impacted the region’s daily life and socio-economic activities.
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.”
Despite its natural endowment, the Speaker added that the challenges facing the South-East have often manifested in the form of separatist agitations, unrest, and terrorism, noting that “The consequences on both lives and property have been colossal.”
To address these issues effectively, the Speaker said the stakeholders must first understand their root causes.
