The Peace in South-East Project (PISE-P) initiative is an urgent response to the alarming situation plaguing the South-East geopolitical region of Nigeria. For more than two years, the sit-at-home imposed by criminal groups has paralyzed the region’s economy and transformed it into a ghost land.
This sit-at-home, initially declared by the separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has become a nightmare for the South East. This protest movement, which consists of staying at home every Monday, was launched in July 2021 to demand the release of their imprisoned leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Unfortunately, this initiative was hijacked by criminal gangs who spread terror and threatened the lives and property of residents in the area.
This weekly sit-at-home has disastrous consequences for the Southeast economy. The region is estimated to have lost over 50 billion Naira (the local currency) in investments as businesses were forced to close their doors every Monday. Opening one’s business on this day is considered treason and exposes traders to the risk of attack and destruction of their property.
This situation has created a general climate of insecurity in the South-East. The criminal groups that have taken control of the forest areas in the region are hiding behind the detention of the IPOB leader to carry out their dastardly actions. Schools, markets, banks and other business centers are forced to close due to fear of attacks by bandits enforcing the sit-at-home order.
Criminal gangs also spread terror on the roads, killing and burning vehicles that dare to use them. The authorities seem unable to put an end to this growing climate of insecurity, and allegations of collusion with security forces are spreading rapidly.
Faced with this desperate situation, the PISE-P initiative is proving to be a ray of hope. Governors in the region, such as Peter Mba of Enugu State and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, have taken a stand saying they will not give in to the maneuvers of these non-state actors. They denounce the criminals who impose the sit-at-home and seek to sow discord in society.
At the same time, security teams are deployed every Monday in the streets of the region to maintain economic activity despite the threats.
But it is with the PISE-P initiative that hope is reborn. This initiative aims to restore peace and stability in the South-East by addressing the roots of the crisis. It proposes concrete solutions to put an end to the sit-at-home and restore investor confidence. Enhanced security measures, increased cooperation between law enforcement and local communities, as well as inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders are some of the measures envisaged by the project.
It is crucial that the PISE-P is supported by all relevant stakeholders, whether local governments, security forces, civil society organizations or ordinary citizens. It is a collective enterprise which requires the mobilization of all to put an end to this climate of insecurity and restore peace and prosperity in South-East Nigeria.
It is time for the South-East to regain its reputation as a peaceful and welcoming region, conducive to investment and economic development. The PISE-P offers tangible hope for achieving this. Now is the time to act and support this crucial initiative for the well-being of all people in the South East.