‘Why Osumenyi Indigenes Must Embrace Peace’

President-General of
Osumenyi Development Union (ODU), Mr Celestine Obi-Oguatu, last Monday appealed to Osumenyi indigenes in Anambra to adhere to the peace accord brokered by the bishops.
He said  in Osumenyi near Nnewi that if indigenes of the community adhere to the 11-point peace recommendation made by the clergymen, the crisis would end.
Obi-Oguatu said: “The appeal I am making to ‘Osumenyians’ is that let everybody follow the way of peace that is already initiated by our bishops, both Anglican and Catholic bishops of our community. The whole thing that I desire is peace; not position.
“I already told you, that the bishops made recommendation that the two groups (Osumenyi Development Union and Osemenyi Town Assembly) would stay aside, and we now set-up an interim government. I believe in one thing, we all are brothers and sisters, so if it warrants that my position should go. What is position?’’ he asked.
He noted that giving peace a chance would bring unprecedented development, progress and rekindle the brotherhood and love that previously existed in the community.
Obi-Oguatu, however, urged all and sundry to focus on forgiveness as the bishops had continually appealed throughout their mediation.
He also thanked the bishops for personally taking their time, resources and lawyers in their dioceses to mediate in the dispute.
The bishops instructed that all court suits concerning the crisis should be withdrawn.
“We (bishops) have resolved to approach this matter on the principle of…’ No Victor, no Vanquished’’’.
Our correspondent learnt that the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Nnewi Rt. Rev. Hilary Okeke, and Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Amichi Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, had jointly waded into the dispute.