From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The South East Coalition for Sustainable Development (SECSD) hailed the military for adopting what it called a non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity in the South East which is yielding fruits.
SECSD President Onu Ikenna and Secretary Uchechi Mgbidi said in a statement that ongoing school rehabilitation projects, improvement of laboratories in schools, provision of portable water and other non-kinetic measures in the region is a promise kept by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen LEO Irabor, to ensure Nigerians have peace.
Ikenna urged the youths to eschew all forms of violence, saying development cannot thrive where there is disorderliness.
According to him, the people of the region must cooperate with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to de-escalate the violence and wanton killings going on in the region.
“The recent activities of enemies of the region have affected Socio-Economic development, hence the need for a rethink.
“On assumption of office, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen LEO Irabor promised to use all available means for peace to reign in the country.
“We are grateful that the Armed Forces under him has gone ahead in the the implementation of activities aimed at having the people of the region live in peace.
“We plead with our people to support the military as the development strides associated with the Igbos are being eroded by the activities of a few.
“We cannot continue in this violence and wanton killings that are beginning to make us look like cannibals.
“We also welcome the promise by the CDS that the military and other security agencies will not tolerate any threat to the 2023 General elections.
“This is the time for our people to speak on who to govern their affairs. They must not be denied that right,” he said.