A prominent Investment Banker and Former Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu has called on all well-meaning citizens of Nigeria to embrace the values of peace and love. He made this call in reaction to the statement issued by the coalition of agitators in Niger Delta who had earlier threatened to attack oil facilities in the region. The group suspended their action and aborted the plan to establish the Niger Delta Republic come October 1, 2017.
Their statement reads inter alia: ‘’After series of meetings between the high command of the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators and the leadership of the Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Forum (NENYLF), coupled with the intervention of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators, which comprises over 250 groups with their leaders and representatives present at the meeting officially withdraw the quit notice issued to the Northerners and Yoruba living in Niger Delta region.’’
Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu praised the group for embracing dialogue and choosing to go the way of peace. He stated that irrespective of the challenges that we face as a nation; we must all come together to seek for practical solutions in order to move the country forward.
He said – ‘’The security and prosperity of our nation remains one of the top issues that we must continue to protect. When we look at the chain effects of each positive action that helps to entrench these ideals; we will appreciate the need for continued co-existence and love among the various ethnicities.’’
In a related development, Chief Mascot spoke about the commencement of the Army exercise which is to cover the South East. The Army began Operation Python Dance II which is expected to work towards achieving peace and security in the South East region. The operation which is also labeled Operation Egwu Eke II has been flagged off to protect lives and property in the region.
Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu charged the Army to carry out their duties by upholding the tenets of justice, equity and fairness. He said that there was no need to heat up the polity as they go about their duties. He tasked them to protect the interests of law abiding citizens of Nigeria while fishing out anyone who is working to obstruct the public peace.
In his remarks, he stated – ‘’We cannot toy with the issue of security. Our nation is currently facing a very trying period that calls for prayers and support of laudable peace moves that helps us live together as one. I will continue to play my part in speaking about the need for people to understand that we can only make progress when there is peace in Nigeria.’’
The former Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor went on to buttress the need for proper funding and morale support for all the security agencies in the country. He called on leaders to make the security of their people one of the top agenda in all their plans.
Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu emphasised that peace-loving citizens of Nigeria have nothing to fear. He said that other developed nations have also gone through worse times than what we are currently experiencing in the country. He stated that with a focussed leadership, dynamic action plan and a will to keep delivering good dividends to the people; Nigeria will rise in strength and glory.
