**Ikpokpko, Bashorun Askia, Chief Etaluku, High Chief Amadhe, Sir Eto, Brig. Gen. Omu (Rtd), Prince Ewenede, CSP. Mohammed, Archbishop Apena, Bishop Oyede, Others Attend Peace Parley…
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Michael EKOKORUWE:
There is time for everything, time of war, time of quarrel and time for peace. ‘The time for peace is now’. Chief Dennis. E. Etaluku made the statement at Uzere, Isoko South local government area of Delta State, during the stakeholders meeting, prayer season and thanksgiving for the return of final peace to Uzere kingdom.
The programme held at Uzere Civic Center was put together by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Chairman Isoko South local government area in collaboration with Isoko South Peace Committee, Christian Association of Nigeria (C.A.N) and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (P.F.N) to ensure that final peace returns to the oil rich and agrarian community with prominent and illustrious sons held in high esteem.
Speaking to newsmen, Ikpokpo said, “As government of the people, when crisis engulfed a community, the need for interaction with the people becomes necessary”. He maintained that peace has returned as HRM Odhebe Odhiwu, Udogri 1, the Ovie of Uzere kingdom has returned, adding that all the parties involved in the crisis have realized the importance of peace.
Ikpokpo noted that, the state government and security agencies have been on top of the situation even as the state Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, the Commander 63 Brigade Asaba, Brig. Gen. I.M. Jallo and the State Security Service are committed at ensuring that final peace returns to Uzere kingdom.
Also speaking, the President General of Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, reiterated the need for total peace in Uzere kingdom, noting that the month of March is a period that residents of the area go for fish farming and planting of groundnut as the early rain has commenced.
He called on those who fled to neighboring communities at the wake of the crisis to return, as Uzere people prepare for their fishing festival.
Amadhe thanked God that contrary to speculations of death, only few persons sustained cutlass and gun injuries during the crisis, adding that the injured have recovered except some that are still been treated.
Earlier, the chairman of Isoko South Peace Committee and former Commissioner Public Complaints Commission, Sir Mathias Eto, members of Isoko Peace Elders Council, Brig. Gen. Paul Omu (Rtd) and Chief Denis.E. Etaluku, urged the people to embrace peace and resist the temptation of destroying their own fortune.
The Archbishop of Bethesda Gospel Mission, Archbishop C.A.O. Apena, also urged Uzere people to be wise, saying God has blessed Uzere people with illustrious sons, well positioned that attract development to the community.
While speaking from the book of James Chapter 4, the Bishop of Fountain of Life Bible Church, Bishop Sam Oyede admonished the people to be united to benefit from God’s blessings in the community. The clergyman appealed to Uzere people to allow peace reign even as he urged those still brewing for crisis to embrace the final peace in Uzere kingdom.
The highlight of the event was the prayer session for peace and unity for Uzere kingdom by Bishop Eric Emiaso and Bishop Benson Eghaire. Sir Itiako Ikpokpo led the thanksgiving even as Dr. Bashorun Askia Ogieh JP, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, Prince Solomon Ewenede and many others danced in anticipation of final peace to Uzere kingdom.
The residents sued for end to the crisis rocking the community during the interactive session and commended Ikpokpo, the clergymen and security operatives for commitment and love toward ensuring that final peace returns to Uzere kingdom.
While commending the state government and security agencies for sustaining peace in the area, the President of Uzere kingdom, Prince Solomon Ewenede commended residents for cooperation and urged them to accept the peace efforts by the local government chairman.
Ewenede noted that, the crisis which started on the 9th of November 2011, would have been resolved if the peace meetings were called earlier.
He commended Sir Ikpokpo and urged the people to embrace peace as Uzere kingdom is blessed with natural resources that should be harnessed for common good of the people.
In attendance was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, DESOPADEC, Dr. Bashorun Askia Ogieh, Isoko Development Union President, Chief Iduh Amadhe and the secretary Isoko South local government area, Mr. Cole Obrogo.
Others are the D.P.O Oleh Division, CSP. Naalah Mohammed, men of the State Security Service, clergy and members of Christian Association of Nigeria Isoko Chapter, Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria, prominent sons and daughters of Uzere kingdom, some councilors from Isoko South legislative arm, men, women and youths of Uzere kingdom among others.
