Soldiers’ killing in Abia: Kalu Inaugurates Peace Fund for Victims of Insecurity

•Over N30 million generated within 24 hours

By Christiana Ekpa

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has inaugurated a 7man Peace Fund Committee to help raise financial assistance for the victims of insecurity in the South East region.
It will be recalled that the deputy speaker during his condolence visit to 144 Battalion Headquarters in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State on Sunday announced the setting up of the committee and subsequently made a donation of N10 million to kick start the process.
Barely 24 hours after the launching of the Fund, over N30 million has been contributed by well-meaning members of society from around the country and abroad.
Inaugurating the committee in Bende Local government area of Abia State Sunday night, Kalu named a member of Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), Chief Daniel Akwari as the Chairman and another member, Mrs. Mary Ikoku as the Secretary.
Also, a former speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike is to serve as the treasurer while another member of PISE-P, Sam Ifeanyi Hart will serve as the publicity secretary.
Other members of the committee included the former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, Ph.D; the member representing Bogoro/Das/ Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jaafaru Leko as well the member representing Birnin Kebbi Kalgo Bunza Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed.
While charging them to be accountable and transparent in their operations, Kalu said that the Peace Fund was in consonance with the rehabilitation objective of PISE-P which he founded alongside the members of the parliament from the South East region.
The deputy speaker also stated that the programme was in tune with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in restoring hope in many families affected by insecurity.
Kalu further charged the committee to ensure that accurate demographic data of the affected families was gathered, adding that they also have his mandate to reach out to spirited individuals, corporate organisations and agencies in the society to appeal for their support to the Fund.