The unveiling of the mechanism known as the Peace In The South East (PISE) project by the Deputy Speaker is intended to facilitate the restoration of normalcy in the region.
Based on the existing statistical data, Kalu asserts that the southeastern region experiences a financial loss ranging from N10 billion to N13 billion alone in the transportation industry during each sit-at-home day.
The Deputy Speaker presented his remarks at a formal meeting with the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASMEs), headed by its President, Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, at his office in Abuja on Friday.
According to Kalu, the prevailing insecurity in the region is having a detrimental impact on small and medium firms, which he acknowledges as a significant driver of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Nevertheless, he provided reassurance regarding the House's dedication to conducting a comprehensive examination of the legislation that is impeding the functioning of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the nation.
He stated that current data indicates that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contribute approximately 48% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in emerging nations. Furthermore, the World Bank research highlights the crucial role played by SMEs in generating employment opportunities.
Hence, the expansion of entrepreneurship is deemed a strategic priority for the revitalization of the Nigerian economy. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should be seen as a strategic instrument for fostering economic development.
As lawmakers, we possess an understanding of the security challenges confronting our nation. In recent years, there have been significant challenges presented by the security situation. The implementation of the sit-at-home policy in the South East region has had a significant impact on the transportation of products between the northern and southern regions. It is imperative that this situation be reconsidered.
The impact of this issue on the entire nation. Specific examples can be examined. The decline of our businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is a pressing issue exacerbated by security concerns that are significantly impeding the growth and sustainability of these enterprises.Additionally, substantial amounts of Naira in the billions and trillions are being incurred as losses due to the implementation of the sit-at-home directive.In several regions around the nation, the prevalence of insecurity has significantly impeded the growth and operations of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), necessitating prompt and effective measures to address this pressing issue. It is disappointing to observe that the prevailing insecurity in the region would exert a significant influence on commerce and economical consequences.
According to statistics provided by SBM Intelligence, the southeastern region of Nigeria experiences a significant financial loss ranging from ten billion naira to thirteen billion naira alone in the transportation sector on each designated sit-at-home day.
On the contrary, traders experience losses that vary between N5.4 billion and N31 billion on a daily basis. The aforementioned statistics are concerning and emphasize the pressing need to tackle the security issues in the area. If there is no discernible incentive for these non-state actors to cease their actions, let this serve as a motivating factor for them to do so. The region is being adversely affected by the self-inflicted insecurities, leading to its own demise. While an individual remains at their residence, other individuals in different areas are not similarly confined to their homes.
The country experiences adverse consequences when small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the southeastern region are negatively impacted by issues of insecurity. The influence is felt nationwide.
In order to address the concerns raised, it is imperative to establish a legislative commitment. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in the economic development and stability of nations. As lawmakers, our dedication is in providing support and enacting legislation to foster the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Our office is prepared to establish a partnership with the association, wherein we will actively seek opportunities to evaluate current legislation that may not be conducive to the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is our contention that by establishing a more conducive climate that facilitates the growth and success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), we can effectively tackle a number of the economic difficulties confronting our nation.
During his presentation, the President of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, made a plea to the Deputy Speaker to assist the organization in the formulation of legislation that would facilitate the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) inside the country.
During the announcement of the PISE project, the individual expressed their intention for their office to collaborate with all legislators from the region, regardless of their party affiliations. They also stated their plan to engage with State governors and other key stakeholders in order to initiate and execute the project.
Additionally, he stated that the project will incorporate a regional security integration and political leadership, aiming to simplify an agenda focused on advancing the Igbo cause and fostering infrastructure development.
Kalu, who disclosed this at a formal meeting with the national leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost socio-cultural organization headed by its President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, expressed deep concern on the prevailing state of insecurity in the southeastern region.
According to his statement, the weekly observance of a sit-at-home in the region has significantly impacted companies and resulted in a desolate environment.
Kalu, who strongly opposed the sit-at-home directive, argued that the Igbo community should engage in widespread interactions with individuals from other regions in order to rebuild trust and confidence.
The Deputy Speaker also expressed appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's generosity towards the Ndigbo community, as he has made efforts to include the people of the southeast region in the political structure of the nation.
Kalu also expressed his amicable association with the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, stating his willingness to accommodate the desires of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in addressing the issue of insecurity in the southeastern region.
The speaker emphasized the importance of differentiating between a justified demand for justice, equality, and fairness, and illegal behavior, in our endeavor to achieve these honorable goals. A distinction exists between the two entities.
The term "criminal activities" does not encompass actions that can be considered lawful or legitimate. The proposition of secession lacks legitimacy. Our objective is to maintain the unity of Nigeria as a single entity.
The ability to make this distinction is crucial for our society. Collectively, it is imperative that we guarantee the establishment of a clear demarcation. The Igbo Community has consistently played a prominent role in the advancement of national development and the promotion of constructive transformation. When visiting any region inside Nigeria, the absence of individuals from the Igbo ethnic group may indicate a lack of progress and prosperity within that particular area. The Igbo people exhibit a widespread presence, with a notable display of patriotism that surpasses that of any other group.
Today, I am standing here not solely in my capacity as the delegate for the constituents of Bende, but rather as a representative encompassing the entirety of the Nigerian populace. The House of Representatives is referred to as the House of the People due to a specific rationale. The 10th House of Representatives led by my Principal, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who is currently in India and who has sent his greetings and who would love to receive you when he is back, as we schedule your next visit, the Honourable Speaker himself will be here.
I would like to express that I maintain a positive professional rapport with the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“I want to report to you as the father of Igbo land that, I have a good relationship between me and this North Westerner, who is the Speaker. The individual in question exhibits a lack of discriminatory behavior and does not engage in actions that belittle or diminish my capabilities. Instead, they recognize and acknowledge my potential, and we collaborate harmoniously, akin to the synergy observed in twin relationships, in order to contribute towards the betterment of Nigeria within the context of the House of Representatives.
Under his leadership, we shall strive to uphold principles of justice, fairness, and equity for all individuals, particularly the Igbos.
Our society is not renowned for engaging in self-destructive behaviors, as exemplified by the concepts of sit-at-home protests and unidentified armed individuals.
This is not within our purview. This concept is unfamiliar to us. The act of taking another person's life is not a practice that is condoned or engaged in within our society. We possess a deep affection for our occupation, as well as a profound appreciation for our agricultural endeavors. We do not remain at our place of residence.
Remaining at one's place of residence is indicative of indolence. The Igbo ethnic group is not characterized by laziness. Individuals that advocate for the sit-at-home movement are not always of Igbo descent.
No authentic native of Igbo land would endorse indolence and label it as a tactic for secession. Individuals who choose to remain at their place of residence can be perceived as lacking motivation or exhibiting a lack of productivity. The Igbo people are not commonly associated with a disposition towards laziness. We exhibit a strong work ethic, demonstrating industriousness and entrepreneurial spirit in our pursuit of success.The Igbo people have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to collective action and communalism, as seen by their historical practices of constructing educational institutions, healthcare facilities, marketplaces, and agricultural establishments. Our society is not renowned for engaging in self-destructive behaviors, as exemplified by the phenomenon of "sit-at-home" or the actions of unidentified gunmen. The aforementioned inclinations are perceived as unfamiliar and repugnant within the framework of the Igbo society, encompassing its social, cultural, and economic aspects.
When considering the current difficulties we face, it is important to see the potential for utilizing commonalities that unite us. Although individuals may hold divergent political platforms, it is imperative to acknowledge that the concept of the commonwealth and the pursuit of the common good are fundamentally interconnected. He spoke the phrase "Onye aghana nwanne ya".
During his presentation, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, advocated for the liberation of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the former leader of the disbanded Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), as he believes it will contribute to the reestablishment of harmony in the South East region.
The Ohaneze organization has made the determination to advocate for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. It is our contention that utmost endeavors should be exerted to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu. According to his statement, if he is released, it will facilitate our situation.
Iwuanyanwu elucidated several proposed projects of the apex socio-cultural organization, which encompass inter-state train systems, airports, and various other initiatives.
