Rivers
Communal Conciliation: DELGA Boss Sets The Pace …Brokers Peace Amongst Belligerent Gang Members In Bakana
Peace remains the highest achievement of any society, as no meaningful development can take place in a rancorous and hostile environment.
This perhaps, is one of the greatest achievements of the administration of the projects-oriented Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael John Williams, amongst his trail of achievements.
The administration on Monday, November 15, 2021, made history, as it in an unprecedented manner, brokered peace amongst the various warring gang members in Bakana, which had been at daggers drawn for several years.
Speaking during the historic occasion at the Bakana Town Square, the council boss stated that the peace parley was aimed at reconciling brothers.
He noted that Bakana is a land of strength, unity and love as exemplified by the founding fathers of the community, adding that the people of Bakana should not be seen, showing that strength against one another, but unite as one against external aggressions.
Hon. Williams stated that the days where people come in, commit crime and flee the community was over, warning that the Council administration and the community will go hard against anyone who breaks the peace accord.
While thanking the peace initiators and leaders of the various cult groups for embracing the peace, the Chairman urged them to return from their exile and contribute positively towards the development of the community, just like his administration is doing.
“If you are a Bakana son and you truly love Bakana, this is the time to show it.
“The reason we are here is to make sure that our brothers see one another as brothers. It is to make sure that if you are a Bakana son, you will never kill a Bakana son again, because if you do, Bakana and the authority will come for you.
“If you are a strong man, take your power outside, don’t bring it here because Bakana is a peaceful community and that peace has been restored.
“I am happy that today our brothers that have not seen each other for a very long time are seeing one another eyeball to eyeball. This means that peace has come to stay,” the LGA Boss stated.
In their solidarity speeches, initiators of the peace parley all thanked the Council Chairman for his magnanimity, courage and determination in restoring peace to the community after so many years of gang rivalry.
Amb. Marvin Thompson in his solidarity speech particularly thanked the Council Chairman for being a great leader, whom his people can trust, noting that it was a thing of joy to see everyone come together as brothers in reconciliation.
While also thanking the various groups for embracing the peace accord, Marvin Thompson, who went on his knees on behalf of the repentant groups, appealed to members of the community, who might have lost loved ones, to forgive them and move on, adding that; “we are doing this peace for the good of Bakana.”
On his part, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Friday Eboka, thanked the Council Chairman for uniting the community through the peace accord.
The CP, who was represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Lawal Adamu Shinkafi, urged genuine reconciliation and patriotism amongst the various groups, stressing that only a peaceful environment can attract development.
ACP Shinkafi, who is the Area Commander in Degema, noted that Bakana is a blessed island, which could be developed to a tourist centre, urging them to shun violence, in order to maximize the vast potentials of the community.
The police boss however warned that any renegade, who violates the peace accord is “on his own,” as the law will catch up with him.
Highpoint of the parley was signing of the peace accord by leaders of the various groups.
The groups which participated in the peace parley include; Icelanders, Greenlanders, Deybam, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).
The Peace Accord was facilitated by Emmanuel Martyns (Babangida), Marvin Thompson, Amb. Dennis Teneilabe and Prince SobrasuaOdum in conjunction with the Degema Local Government Council.
In attendance were the Executive Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael John Williams, personnel of the 103 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, officers of the Police Area Command and the Divisional Police Command, top functionaries of the Council, amongst others.
Rivers
Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt
The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.
The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.
The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.
Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.
In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.
Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.