The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has called for a collective approach to securing lives and property in the Southeast, stressing that the responsibility should not be left solely to security agencies.
Akume made the call at the Southeast Peace and Stability Summit in Owerri, Imo State, where he urged communities, traditional rulers, the private sector and other relevant stakeholders to actively participate in efforts to promote peace and security.
The SGF, who was represented at the summit by a management staff of the Economic and Political Affairs Office, Olisa Stella, said sustainable peace could only be achieved through collective action and inclusive dialogue.
He stressed the need for cooperation among government institutions, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, communities and other stakeholders in addressing security challenges.
Also speaking, the Director of Orlu Progressive Initiative (OPI), Ikechukwu Nwabueze, advocated the creation of a Southeast Peace Commission to drive conflict prevention, peacebuilding and social cohesion across the region.
Nwabueze described the summit as a call to conscience, leadership, unity and action, stressing that the Southeast deserves more than survival.
“Our people deserve peace. Our young people deserve opportunities. Our women deserve inclusion. Our communities deserve security,” he said.
He said the decision to bring together government representatives, security institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, academia, the private sector, women and youth groups, as well as development and diplomatic partners, reflected the understanding that sustainable peace requires collective action and inclusive dialogue.
Nwabueze urged stakeholders to invest in peace everywhere and every day, noting that peace should not be understood merely as the absence of war or direct violence.
According to him, peace also involves justice, equity, human security and social conditions that enable individuals and communities to live and thrive.