N’Delta Calls For True Federalism

Some prominent stakeholders and traditional rulers in Niger Delta region have called for true federalism in which resource control, equity and justice would prevail, if the Federal Government is to resolve issues triggering agitations and crisis in the country.
The stakeholders made the call on Wednesday in their separate presentations and goodwill messages at the United Nations International Day of Peace with the theme: “The Sustainable Development Goals, Building Blocks For Peace”, held in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman, Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, King Dandeson Jaja expressed the need for the Federal Government to address properly, the issue of resource control, if Nigeria really wants to be in peace.
According to him, equity and justice bring about peace and understanding, adding that the only way to achieve sustainable peace among the ethnic groups and people in Nigeria is to practise true federalism.
The traditional rulers’ council Chairman and the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, also used the medium to call on the Federal Government to embrace peace and dialogue to resolve the issue of vandalism and sabotage of critical assets by the militants.
He also appealed to the agitators in Niger Delta and other parts of the country to be patient with the Federal Government and desist from using violence as means of resolving issues, saying that peace and development cannot be sustained in the midst of violence and crisis.
Also advocating resource control, a university teacher and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Kimse Okoko, described justice and equity as the only basis for peace in any society.
He said, though the militarization of Niger Delta would not solve any problem, he added that there will be no peace in Nigeria, if the issue of injustice is not addressed properly by the Federal Government.
Okoko called for all-inclusive Nigeria, where all citizens, irrespective of their tribe and religious inclinations would have a stake.
Others that advocated for true federalism and justice were the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) , Rivers State chapter, Primate I.C.T. Anyansasikike, the Eze Esara 11 of Esara Kingdom, Eze J.A. Vichey, Alabo Godwin I.S. Jaja (NDDC), among others.
The stakeholders commended the United Nations for choosing Port Harcourt in Niger Delta region for the observance of the World Peace Day in Nigeria.
In his address, the World Peace President, Amb. Per Stafsen from Denmark, said peace could only be achieved easily if governments all over the world respect the demands of their people and come out with policies and programmes that will better the lot of the people.
According to him, if peace is not present in whatever we are doing, violence will occupy the act and intent of people’s hearts.
He called on governments in Nigeria to prioritise the needs of the people, and make them the centre piece of governance, if Nigeria must achieve sustainable peace, stability and development.

Enoch Epelle