OBIARUKU/Nigeria: The Delta State Government had been commended for its efforts to promote peaceful co-existence amongst the different tribes, and communities in the state, through its Peace advocacy and Conflict Resolution mechanisms.
This commendation was made by the Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Christopher Ochor Ochor, during a one Day Advocacy programme by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, held for the communities in Ukwuani Local Government Area, Wednesday, September 16, 2020, in Obiaruku.
The Deputy Speaker, who was represented in the occasion, by the member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani on the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing areas development Commission, DESOPADEC, Dr. Samuel Ossai, made the commendation in a goodwill message.
He stated that it was not a surprise for such an advocacy workshop from the office of the governor, as it had been one of his cardinal agenda since becoming governor, as peace is one thing that everyone desires, saying that the workshop is timely.
“Peace is one issue that every man desires, and because of the place of peace in our everyday life, it will not be out of place to thank the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, the organisers of this workshop, as this could be considered very timely.”
“We thank the State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa on his initiatives, sources and programmes since the inception of this administration as his peace initiatives, keeping, maintaining and sustenance had been great, and this workshop which he, had approved is a further demonstration of his desires to build a sustainable state of peaceful co-existence.”
He stated that efforts in achieving peace cannot be left for the government, but should be a collective efforts from all quarters.
“Peace in every society cannot only be achieved by the government, but with the people and communities involved, as they are the ones that interact frequently in the process of survival. And how do we as a people, community be able to achieve peaceful living and sustain it, without cooperation and understanding”. He asked.
He however called for a holistic examination of different areas, where disunity, lack of trust had existed, beyond the often reported issues of ethnic and communal clashes, but also the area of youth activities, and relationships between communities and companies operating in such communities.
“We had seen cases where chieftaincy issues had almost brought some communities to ruins; we had also seen cases where issues of youth organisations had become problematic in our communities. Another area that had become worrisome is the relationship between companies and communities. Over time this had been a cause for concern, as companies are seen to be exploitative of their host communities.”
“We agree that the peace we seek today from this workshop, should not only focus on the crises between the various communities, but should also focus, and deal on how the various community traditional institutions is been handled, from the Okpala-Uku, down to the least amongst the line of rulers, the youth organisations in each communities.”
“As it’s known that many youth organisations in our communities are either had been proscribed by the Chiefs in Council, or the government (s), because of internal rivalry, and between companies operating in some of our communities, who the people see as agent of exploitation to our God giving natural resources. We must have to look at all these issues holistically before we can talk of a peaceful LGA.” He said.
