SUMMIT: CLERIC CALLS FOR PEACE IN SOUTH EAST

SUMMIT: CLERIC CALLS FOR PEACE IN SOUTH EAST

The South East zonal peace summit , is therefore pertinent and timely as the alternative to promoting peace in the face of instability  , chaos , upheavals  , violence and in extreme cases  , full blown war .

The insecurity in the south East zone of Nigeria has reached an alarming level with the country’s security infrastructure witnessing increasing pressure on its capacity for corresponding response,  a situation that has triggered genuine calls from different quarters for the establishment of state police.

The peace summit  attracted , security agencies , Stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth leaders, and clergy from across the five states of the South East gathered on for the *2026 South East Zonal Peace and Security Summit* held in Rockview  Hotel , Owerri , 27 /28 of August.

The summit, convened to address rising security concerns and foster unity in the region, had as its theme: _“Building an Enduring Peace for a Prosperous South East.”_

Delivering the keynote exhortation, *Bishop Timothy Cheren* called on the people of the South East to embrace peace, forgiveness, and dialogue as the only path to lasting development.

Bishop Timothy Cheren  , commended Distinguished Senator  Hope Governor on fighting against insecurity in Imo State and South east at large .

Speaking during te summit  , Bishop Cheren acknowledged that despite the challenges facing the region , the Governor’s commitment to security architecture  , dialogue with stakeholders  , and support for peace initiatives has brought noticeable calm to many communities.

He said , ” we must give credit where it is due”.

Governor Uzodimma has shown leadership and courage in addressing the security concerns in Imo State.

His intervention have also contributed to restoring confidence across the south East,  and we encourage him to do more , and we assure him of the support of the Church and the people “

He prayed for God’s Wisdom and protection upon the Governor as he continues to lead imo State.

As sons and daughters of the South East , we must choose peace over bitterness , harmony over division , and dialogue over confrontation.

Enduring peace is not just the absence of war , it is the presence of justice , love , and unity.”

Bishop  , urged traditional rulers, political leaders, and youths to become “ambassadors of peace” in their communities, stressing that security challenges can only be solved when people trust one another and work together.

“Let us forgive the past, secure the present, and build the future together , adding that  ,  South East is blessed with great minds and resources. But until we enthrone peace and harmony, our potentials will remain untapped” .

Dignitaries present included Governor representative ,  Bishop Ayo Momodu ( Southern Coordinator  ) , Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Ebomuche ,  religious leaders, and other representatives of security agencies.

The summit ended with a joint prayer for peace and a calling on all South Easterners home and in the diaspora to support initiatives that promote unity.