Vice President Kashim Shettima, has declared support for the adoption of a non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity in the South East, in addition to other initiatives already being implemented.
Mr Shettima stated this on Tuesday when he received a delegation led by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The delegation under the auspices of “Peace In South East Project (PISE-P)”, visited Mr Shettima to present the initiative and invite him to the inauguration of the project that proposes a non-kinetic solution to the crisis in the region.
The vice-president, who endorsed the concept, noted that the “approach was the most beautiful I have seen so far.
“We need to build bridges. There is a need for a handshake, that way, those that have not been radicalized can be captured.”
Mr Shettima further explained the wisdom in adopting a non-kinetic approach in addressing the security situation in the South East, saying it would save the region from endless war.
“Unless we want to engage in an endless war of attrition, a non-kinetic solution to the crisis in the South East must be explored and deployed.
“The most atrocious of wars are at the end of the day sorted out on the negotiating table.
“It is how you build bridges that will determine how far you go as a people and society.
“We have to reach out to the youths; we have to empower them. Once we empower them, the crisis, the agitation and insecurity will vanish.”
Earlier, Mr Kalu reiterated the call for a non-kinetic approach to addressing the security challenges facing the south east region.
“We understand that many zones in the country face similar security challenges. However, PISE-P proposes a non-kinetic approach to address these issues that have impacted the economy of the South East and Nigeria.”
He stressed the urgency of finding solutions, saying “we cannot ignore these challenges; we must face them head-on.
“The current situation has severely affected our lives and our sense of unity.”
Mr Kalu expressed optimism that the Peace in South East Project could bring hope to the region, similar to how other parts of the country have seen improvement.
He emphasised the need for new solutions, acknowledging that past approaches have not yielded the desired results.
Mr Kalu also highlighted the importance of addressing the sociological factors contributing to the unrest.
He expressed hope that a non-kinetic approach, focusing on changing the narrative and reorienting the minds of the people, can be more effective.
“We want to start a conversation that helps change the perception and mindset in the South East. This cannot be achieved through guns and violence.”
The vice-president also emphasised the need for initiatives that foster a sense of belonging and inclusion.
While acknowledging government’s limitations, Shettima stressed the importance of collaborating with development partners under the Peace in South East Project.
Members of the delegation include; Rep. Leko Gambo, Rep. Jonathan Ukodhiko, Rep. Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, Rep. Bukar Talba, Emeka Wogu, former Minister of Labour and Productivity, and others.
NAN
