Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has inaugurated a 7-man Peace Fund Committee to raise financial assistance for victims of insecurity in the South East region. This follows the killing of soldiers in Aba, Abia State, which has been widely condemned.
The Peace Fund Committee was inaugurated in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, with Chief Daniel Akwari as Chairman and Mrs. Mary Ikoku as Secretary. Other members include Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike, Chief Emeka Wogu, Hon. Jaafaru Leko, Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed, and Sam Ifeanyi Hart.
Over N30 million has been contributed to the fund within 24 hours, with donations from well-meaning individuals and organizations from across the country and abroad. Kalu charged the committee to be accountable, transparent, and data-driven in their operations, ensuring that accurate demographic data of affected families is gathered.
The Peace Fund is part of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), founded by Kalu and other parliament members from the South East region. The project aims to promote peace and security in the region, and the fund will provide support to families affected by insecurity and restore hope in the region.
Members of PISE-P, including Chief Akwari and Rt. Hon. Azubuike, have condemned the killing of soldiers in Aba, describing it as an unfortunate and unacceptable act. They praised Kalu’s visit to the bereaved families and his commitment to promoting peace in t he region.