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The Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) was launched on December 29, 2023, in Bende, Abia State, by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. The initiative aims to promote peace and security in the South-East region of Nigeria through non-military approaches and reconciliation. The unveiling of PISE-P also served as a homecoming for Kalu and drew the participation of prominent Nigerians from the South-East and beyond, including President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Kalu highlighted the ongoing and continuous nature of the peace-building process and emphasized the importance of unwavering commitment and dedication. He acknowledged the urgent need for peace and security in the South-East, citing the current state of insecurity as the most pressing concern since the Civil War.
The Vice President, speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, expressed that the terror groups causing havoc in the South-East do not represent the interests of the Ndi-Igbo people. He attributed the creation of the problem to self-serving criminals rather than the people of the region or Nigerians from other parts of the country.
Senator Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum and Imo State governor, welcomed the PISE-P initiative and expressed concerns about the pervasive insecurity in the region.
Several observations can be made regarding the unveiling of PISE-P. Firstly, while the initiative is undoubtedly necessary for the South-East, there is a history of similar peace initiatives fizzling out after the initial media attention. The challenge for PISE-P will be to ensure its institutionalization and longevity beyond the tenure of Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
Secondly, alongside security concerns, the South-East Igbo community also faces the challenge of affirming its identity within Nigeria. The quest for a reaffirmation of identity often stems from pre-Civil War roots and includes debates on the location of Igbo identity, with some favoring an independent country and others preferring to locate their identity within Nigeria. This quest for identity is reflected in the agitation for a presidency of Igbo extraction and separatist movements like Biafra.
Thirdly, the focus on a President of Igbo extraction as a solution to the region’s challenges has become an obsession for some, leading to unsolicited advice and criticism. The South-East has been criticized for playing politics by being at the center, and suggestions are often made to emulate other regions like the South-West and the North. However, such advice overlooks the complexities and dynamics of Nigerian politics and identity.
Additionally, the history of the Civil War and war propaganda has created mistrust and suspicion towards an Igbo presidential candidate. The passage of time has not fully healed these wounds, and an Igbo candidate would need to work harder to gain the confidence of other regions. Furthermore, the significance of having an ethnic group’s president may be exaggerated, as it does not guarantee development or prevent ethnic profiling.
In conclusion, the unveiling of the PISE-P initiative highlights the urgent need for peace and security in the South-East region of Nigeria. While the initiative is commendable, its long-term sustainability and the challenges of affirming Igbo identity within Nigeria are factors that need to be considered. Additionally, the pursuit of a President of Igbo extraction should be approached with caution, understanding the complexities and dynamics of Nigerian politics and the potential pitfalls of ethnic profiling.
I argue that the Igbo people of the South East region in Nigeria are currently in their third wave of identity search since the end of the Civil War in 1970. The first wave occurred immediately after the war, where pursuing wealth became a major focus for the Igbo due to the hardships they experienced. Building “mansions” in their villages became a way to display social capital and symbolize their intention to eventually return and settle there. The second wave involved passive investments such as hotels and large farmlands that were not fully utilized. The third wave, still in its early stages, involves the return of innovation and business processes to the South East by Igbos living outside the zone. This wave is inspired by successful entrepreneurs like Innoson and the perceived rise of discrimination against the Igbo people. These individuals are trying to make a difference in their communities while remaining away, possibly waiting for something to happen. The author suggests that initiatives like PISE-P could support these efforts.
