Warri: As the nation continues to grapple with ways to proffer solution to the menace of Fulani herdsmen, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has allayed the fear of Deltans, saying that there will be no grazing reserves in the state.
Speaking at the 2nd Session of the Seventh Synod of Ughelli Diocese of the Anglican Communion held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ekete, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, Governor Okowa asserted, “We are not supporting any grazing reserve.”
The governor said that the House of Representatives cannot pass a bill that is unacceptable to the people, disclosing that Deltans have made it clear that they were not in support of grazing reserve.
While disclosing that his administration has done a lot to ensure that clashes between herdsmen and Deltans are reduced to the barest minimum, he observed, “possibly, there would have been much more killings if not for our consultations; we are also aware that most of the kidnappings in the state are being done by the Hausa/Fulanis in connivance with some of our people.”
“There are special courts for the speedy trial of kidnappers and anyone who is caught assisting them is liable to life imprisonment,” he continued, while commending security agencies, especially, the police, for controlling crime in the state.
Governor Okowa also, urged the Church to relentlessly pray for the state and the nation, assuring that revenue to the state would increase within the next couple of months as Shell was working to fix the Forcados Trunkline which will boost oil export from the state.
The governor added that increased revenue will lead to the construction of more roads and the provision of infrastructure in different parts of the state.
Earlier in a sermon, Bishop Marcus Ibrahim of Yola Diocese of the Anglican Communion, commended Governor Okowa for the effective management of resources in the state, despite the recession affecting economic activities in the country.
The bishop, who spoke on the theme: “Watching and Praying: The escape route from the dangers of our time,” decried greed in the church and also urged Christians to pray harder to check the activities of Boko Haram, kidnappers and armed robbers, reiterating, “the time that we are in, is evil time.”
Meanwhile, Troubled by the incessant attacks by Fulani Herdsmen, Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa has urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, introduce policies to curb the menace.
The governor made the call during the 25th coronation anniversary of the Ovie of Ughelli kingdom, HRM Wilson Oharisi III. The ceremony, which was attended by people of all walks of life, took place at Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
While noting that the menace of Fulani herdsmen was not restricted to Delta State, the governor said, “Fulani herdsmen’s menace is a national challenge, it has become something that is affecting all the states in the federation.”
“The Federal Government should have a policy direction for us to live in peace with the Fulani herdsmen,” he said, asserting, “I do hope that there will be policy direction to reduce the clashes.”
He continued, “I want to appeal to our people to continue with the peaceful engagement process, while we continue to pressure the Federal Government to have a policy direction on the issue.”
Governor Okowa, at the occasion, commended traditional rulers for ensuring that their kingdoms are peaceful, which has translated to a peaceful state.
“If all the kingdoms are peaceful, the state will be peaceful and I want to state that I am proud of our traditional rulers because, they are working in one accord; with the existing peace in the state, investors will come in and our youths will get employment,” he disclosed.
While congratulating the king on his 25 years of being on the throne, the governor expressed confidence that with peace, the state was on the path of progress.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Olorogun Miller Uloho, paid glorying tribute to the king, describing his leadership qualities as exceptional and friendly to investors and non-indigenes.
Also yesterday, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, accompanied by prominent Deltans, attended the 70th birthday celebration of the Catholic Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. John Afareha at the Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun.
The governor, while congratulating the bishop, reiterated that it was important for the Church to shun materialism and concentrate in winning souls for Christ.
“The Church exists for nothing else than to draw men closer to God; it is important that we engage in evangelism,” he said, emphasising, “the work in the church is about evangelism, continue to stand for Jesus.”
Earlier in a homily at the thanksgiving service, which attracted a retinue of Catholic archbishops, bishops and eminent personalities, Rev. Fr. John Ederaiye observed that the presence of Governor Okowa at the celebration was “a further proof of the cordial relationship that exists between the state and the Church.”
He read out the achievements of the celebrant and called on Christians to always show love to God.
