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Govt Sets Up Reconciliation Committee On Odioma Communal Crisis

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The Bayelsa State Government has constituted a 7-member Committee to look into issues causing hostility in Odioma Community in Brass Local Government Area of the state with a view to bringing lasting peace to the embattled coastal community.
The Committee is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Alaowei Gideon Ekeuwei, while the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Biriyai Dambo (SAN), is to serve as Secretary.
The Tide reports that members of the Committee include the state’s Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule; Commissioner for Special Duties (East), Hon. Preye Broderick; and the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Conflict Resolution, Chief Boma Spero-Jack.
Other members are the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Mr Akpoebi Agberebi, and the Technical Adviser on Special Duties, Mr Richard Perekeme.
Constituting the Committee during a meeting with the leadership and some stakeholders of Odioma in Government House, Yenagoa, during the week, the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, charged them to be diligent in carrying out their assignment.
He also mandated the Committee to separately meet with the two factions led by the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr Andrew Esau, as well as the Chairman, Odioma Council of Chiefs, Chief Munafa Marlin.
To leverage the Committee’s assignment, the Deputy Governor, specifically directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to work for the withdrawal of all cases directly linked to the current intra-community conflict in Odioma from the judiciary.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo also urged the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Romokere Ibani, who was represented at the meeting by his Deputy in charge of Administration, DCP Ofem Arikpo, to suspend the interrogation and prosecution of all those arrested recently until further notice.
Addressing the Odioma delegation, he called on the people to sink their differences and cooperate with Government in the interest of peace and development of their community.
The State Number Two Man, who advised the Odioma people to resist forthwith the temptation of arresting and counter-arresting themselves, however, warned that government would not hesitate to deal decisively with any individual or group that goes against the current peace move.
“Odioma Community is very dear to us as a government. You must forgive one another and cooperate with your Government to attract development to your community.
“If you continue to fight, who are we going to talk to and work with to execute the projects you came here to request for the other day? We are not going to recognize any faction and that is how development will elude you.
“We don’t want that. And that is why we are encouraging you people to complement each other instead of engaging in unhealthy competitions that only cause conflict.
“I’ve already told the Commissioner of Police that nobody should be charged to court based on the current arrests until we finish what we are doing. So, on your part too, there should be no more arrest.
‘Anybody who arrests again, the government will be left with no alternative than to declare you as a persona non grata and an enemy of the state”, he said.
In their separate remarks, the two factional leaders, Mr Andrew Esau and Chief Munafa Marlin, appreciated the State Government for the peace initiative and promised to cooperate with the Committee to resolve all the thorny issues affecting the peace and stability of Odioma Community.
Others who made contributions at the meeting included the Coordinator, Bayelsa State Community Safety Corps, Brigadier Gen. Eric Angaye (Retired), a former Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Chief Ambrose Akerite, High Chief Obed Waribugo and Mr Philemon Kelly Dickson.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

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Niger Delta

Tai Agric Sector Gets Emergency Attention …As Chairman Distributes Farm Inputs, Inaugurates Technical Team

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The Chairman of Tai Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon. Matthew Nenu Bari Dike has declared a state of emergency in the agriculture sector of Tai local government.
Speaking while distributing farm implements and other agricultural support packages to the farmers at the council’s headquarters in Saakpenwa, yesterday, Dike challenged farmers to show their farms before requesting for financial assistance.
The council boss stated that as a government, they were committed to putting smiles on the faces of the people and assured that his administration would ensure that every person in the local government is happy.
“As a government we want to assure you that, we will stop at nothing to ensure you all are empowered and living happily”.
According to him, “the gesture is aimed at enhancing food production and security through agriculture, and enjoined all lovers of agriculture in the local government area to identify with the quest to redefine development through agriculture in the local government.
He encouraged everyone to cultivate the passion and return to agriculture, to guarantee self-reliance, maximum food production and security in the area.
His administration, he said, would purchase more yam seedlings in order to get greater production to encourage exportation beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“A boost in yam production will also empower farmers in the Local Government Area”, the elated chairman said.
In a related development, the Chairman has inaugurated a five, member Agricultural Technical Committee for the Local Government Area.
The committee is made up of Pst. Anderson Wariboko, Barr. Paul Newman,, Smith Nyor-Ue, Gladys Jumbo and Dr Keke Rammyson
Also speaking, the Director of Agriculture, Tai Local Government Area, Mr Anderson Wariboko revealed that the event was part of activities to mark the chairman’s 100 days in office.
Wariboko who led the chairman, and other leaders of the council on the distribution of the farm inputs to the farmers, was full of praises for the chairman, Hon. Dike whom he said has the interest of the people at heart.

Kiadum Edookor

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Coalition Urges Politicians Not To Escalate Tension In A’Ibom 

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The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has urged politicians in Akwa Ibom State not to escalate political tensions in the state in order to ensure sustainable peace and development.
At a press conference, the National Coordinator, Mr. Franklyn Isong, said those already elected into leadership positions should be allowed to work.
Isong urged the political class to wait until ban on political activities was lifted  by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said it was too early to engage in unhealthy political activities, saying “2027 is still far, this early politicking can affect governance and development”.
The Coordinator said the coalition was aware of plots by some politicians to destabilise governance in Akwa Ibom State.
“As a body, we frown at this, and we are raising the flag against the plot to pile up unhealthy political climate ahead of the 2027 political season.
“Those involved in this plot should call themselves to order, their activities are capable of stifling governance in the state.
“We urge politicians across party lines to close ranks and work towards the unity, progress and development of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large”, he said.
Isong further said the coalition was committed to the sustenance of good governance, rule of law, transparency and accountability in the state.
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Commissioner Charges NYSC Members On Opportunities In Edo

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Edo State State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy, has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to see opportunities in difficult situations as they await their postings.
Addressing the corps members at the orientation camp in Okada, about 40 kilometres from Benin City, Paddy urged them to be focused, build strong networks, and embrace a mindset of value addition.
“If you can think it, you can achieve it. The story of Governor Monday Okpebholo is enough to inspire you that no dream is too big.
“Though the number of out-of-school children is rising, your resilience has brought you this far, and today, you stand as an NYSC member.
“Let this be a stepping stone to greater achievements”, he said.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of making deliberate choices in life, particularly in their careers and personal associations.
“You must choose your company wisely because it will determine who will accompany you in life. Do not surround yourself with dream killers.
“Take action with passion, and it will yield results. Above all, pray before venturing into anything”, he advised.
Paddy, however, expressed confidence in the corps members’ ability to contribute meaningfully to Edo’s development.
“I saw the youthful population, ready to act and contribute to society. I saw the energy and drive.
“Obviously, we expect you to bring your passion to improve our educational system and the state at large”, he said.
He assured the NYSC members of the state government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people through policy reforms and strategic partnerships.
Earlier in her welcome address, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Frances Ben-Ushie, commended the State Government for its commitment to youth development.
Ben-Ushie said over 80 per cent of the corps members would be deployed to the education sector.
“These young men and women have undergone physical and intellectual training, leadership development, and specialised programmes such as the SDGs initiative, SERVICOM, and Safety Vanguard.
“They are ready to make an impact in their assigned communities”, she stated.
She further highlighted the importance of the commissioner’s visit, saying it provided corps members with direct interaction with a key stakeholder in the state’s education sector.
“This session is crucial because it allows the corps members to meet someone who is already making a difference in capacity building, philanthropy, and human capital development.
“It will prepare you mentally to serve effectively in the communities”, she added.
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