The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen George Akume, has said that the security of lives and property of Nigerians is not solely the responsibility of the security agencies.
He said that security rather requires the active participation and cooperation of communities, traditional rulers, religious bodies, civil society organisations, the private sector and other relevant sectors.
Sen Akume, represented at the South East Peace and Stability Summit held in Owerri by a management staff of the Political and Economic Affairs Office of the SGF, Mrs Olisa Stella Marries, said that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective action and inclusive dialogue.
He said that the office, as the coordinating arm of the Federal Government, has remained committed to facilitating inter-agency collaboration and supporting initiatives that contribute to national peace, security, stability and development.
The SGF expressed optimism for continued engagement with relevant stakeholders towards building a more peaceful, secure South East.
While commending the organisers of the programme for convening such an important summit towards the promotion of peace and stability, Akume said that the theme, “Building Sustainable Peace for a Prosperous Future”, and the objective of the summit, were relevant at a time when peace and security remain critical to the socio-economic development of the country.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President lays strong emphasis on strengthening national security, promoting economic development, creating opportunities for young Nigerians and fostering an environment in which all citizens can contribute meaningfully to national development.
He recalled that the South East geopolitical zone occupies an important position in the socio-economic development of Nigeria, adding that a peaceful and stable South East is critical to the prosperity of the people of the region and for the overall development and stability of the country.
Earlier in his keynote address, the Executive Director of Orlu Progressive Initiative (OPI), Ikechukwu Nwabueze, advocated for the creation of the South East Peace Commission (SEPC).
He said that the South East needs a permanent, credible and professionally structured regional peace institution.
He described the commission as a practical institution dedicated to conflict prevention, early warning, peacebuilding, mediation, social cohesion, community reconciliation and peace education across the South East zone.
According to him, the South East Commission would work collaboratively with the South East Development Commission, the Federal Government, the South East state governments, local government authorities, security agencies and traditional institutions, among others.
The Executive Director said that the SEPC, when established, would develop a regional early warning and early response system that should support community peacebuilding structures and facilitate dialogue between conflict communities, among others.
Speaking on the theme, “Building Sustainable Peace for a Prosperous Future”, Nwabueze said that its purpose was to foster dialogue, unity, peace and actionable solutions to the challenges facing the South East region.
He said that the gathering would enable stakeholders, irrespective of political, ethnic or social affiliation, to come together, think and reflect on the history and chart a sustainable course for the future of their region.
While acknowledging the enormous sacrifices being made by security agencies, he frowned at the security situation confronting the region.
He lamented that insecurity has actually destroyed livelihoods, displaced families, disrupted education, weakened local economies and created fear in communities.
He said: “We must equally recognise that security cannot be achieved through military and law-enforcement measures alone.”
The Executive Director appealed to all non-state actors, armed groups and other actors operating outside the formal structures of government, adding that the future of their people cannot be built on perpetual confrontation.
He said: “Whatever grievances exist, whatever injustices have been experienced, whatever historical wounds remain, we must create peaceful avenues for dialogue and negotiation.”
Ikechukwu Nwabueze called on government, as part of its primary responsibility, to protect lives, uphold the rule of law and create an environment in which citizens can live and prosper.
Mrs Olisa Stella Marries had also represented the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office of the SGF, Mrs Augusta William, at the event.
Other dignitaries present to honour the summit included traditional rulers, religious leaders, leaders of youth body organisations, members of civil society organisations and members of the media, among others.