The Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi
Okowa has inaugurated a 30-man Advisory and Peace Building Council with a
charge on them to strengthen the foundation of the unity of Delta State.
Speaking during
the inauguration of the Council today in Asaba, the Governor said, "the
Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council which has just been created is
an improvement on the Delta State Advisory Council that had been in existence since
the year 2000".
The Governor
explained that the new advisory council has been repositioned in line with
global trends in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and transformation,
as well as post-conflict reconciliation and peace management.
"Peace
building covers a broad range of issues such as inclusive growth, economic
development, educational advancement, health improvement, religious harmony and
environmental sustainability," the Governor said, adding, "it seeks
not only to resolve or avert conflicts, but to also formulate policies and
build relationships that help to maintain peace and justice".
He observed that
the aim of peace building in any society is the enthronement of human security
and that refers not just to the absence of violence but the presence of food
security, financial security, educational security, health security and social
security.
While emphasising
that he believes that government should continue at all times, to find ways to
strengthen the foundation of the unity of the divergent ethnic groups in the
state, Governor Okowa said he has deemed it fit to appoint these men and women
of proven integrity, exemplary character and statesmanlike disposition into the
Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council on account of their outstanding
personal qualities.
The Governor
listed the terms of reference of the Council which has a foremost educationist
and former Minister of Information, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire as Chairman to have
"power to study the general socio-economic and political situations in the
state and render advice to government; advise on issues that can lead to
healthy relationship between the Executive arm of Government; the Legislature
and the Judiciary, carry out in-depth studies and render advise on issues which
can strengthen harmonious relationship with the Federal Government and other
states of the Federation."
Also, the Council
is to "study the causes of conflicts among the various communities in the
state and advise on measures to effectively mitigate them; advise on
appropriate peace building mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of the
various peace programmes of government; and deliberate and advise on any matter
referred to it by government."
While noting that
the Council has a serious task before them, Governor Okowa disclosed that the
Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Chief Festus Ochonogor and the
Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development and Peace Building, Bro.
Emmanuel Ogidi would assist the Council during their deliberations.
Governor Okowa
decried "kidnapping, cultism, sea piracy and crude oil theft with their
attendant economic and environmental challenges," adding, "I am also
concerned about the emerging trend of inter/intra communal land disputes,
conflicts between oil companies and their host communities, post-amnesty
agitations as well as clashes between Fulani herdsmen and local farmers as they
constitute serious security threats that we must confront with boldness and
decisive action."
Responding on
behalf of the Council, Prof. Oyovbaire observed that the terms of reference was
explicit and assured the Governor and Deltans of the Council's preparedness to
carry out its mandate with the fear of God and to the benefits of Deltans.
Some members of
the Council include former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue,
former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo, Senator Patrick
Osakwe, Senator Stella Omu, Chief Wellington Okrika, Chief Nkem Okwuoofu,
Pharm. Paul Enebeli, Dr Pius Sinebe, Chief William Ibori, Rt. Revd. Cyril
Odutemu, Chief Chris Agbobu, Chief Dennis Etalokku, Chief Grace Boyo, Major
Patrick Egone, Chief Robert Ejifoma, Dr Esther Uduehi, Bishop Triumph Osian,
Prof. Emmanuel Nwanze, and Chief Joseph Egigba.
Comments
Post a Comment