First Mega peace rally is set to hold in Maiduguri, Borneo State.

The first mega rally is set to be conducted in Maiduguri, Borno state, a coalition of North-East groups have said.

The group, North East Coalition Against Terrorism (NECAT) said the rally will hold on Wednesday, February 1 at the Ramat Square in Maiduguri.

The group said the rally themed: "North East Mega Rally" is aimed at celebrating the successes recording by the Nigerian government and the military against Boko Haram terrorists.

The spokesperson for the coalition, Mohammed Abubakar told journalists in Abuja that the rally will also signify the beginning of a campaign for the rebuilding of the North-East region.

Abubakar said he rally is part of the coalition's enlightenment on the need for the people to come together to win the peace for the region which was once the economic hub of northern Nigeria.

He said the restoration of peace in the region will be based on a collective effort of all Nigerians.

He also said the rally will help enlighten the people in region on the need for peaceful and sustainable development among residents.

He said: "The bombing and shooting of us innocent people by the terrorists might have waned but the scars they left on our collective psyche are in need of healing."

"We must use this healing to send a strong message to the Boko Haram members – militant, intellectual or political wing – that we remain unbowed in spirit.

"They must see that we will not just return life to normal but we will make our lives better than what they destroyed.

"This message is meant to tell Abu Shekau and his minions that nothing they did would detract from the faith we have in the secular Nigeria and the country's competent institutions like the army.

"We want them to know that there was never going to be a time when the will of a few, even with guns, bullets and bombs, would trump our collective resolve to live in peace."

Abubakar said the defeat already achieved by the Nigerian military must not be allowed to leave a vacuum that its fighters may again attempt to fill, saying no other evil group must be allowed to fill it as well.
He further urged all stakeholders in the region, irrespective of political affiliation or religion to come out en mass to show their solidarity and support for peace in the north east region .

"The North East Mega Rally for Peace and we shall be calling on the fleeing terrorists and their agents that the battle has been won and it's time for them to surrender without any further delay. No one needs to keep running like a homeless child as healing must come at the end. Everyone without exception is invited to be part of this rebirth and regeneration process in the land.

"We know there may be concerns on the part of some people but it is also about time that we stop running from the truth like the defeated terrorists.

"The message of peace is one that must be preached and it cannot be publicized in secrecy. Join the Mega Rally for Peace and watch normalcy return to our town and cities in the northeast with rapidity," Abubakar added.