Delta gets Peace Building Council

A 30-member Delta state Advisory and Peace Building Council formally took hold Wednesday at an inauguration ceremony conducted by the Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa at Government House, Asaba.

The Council is an improvement on the Delta State Advisory Council that had existed since 2000, and is composed of the following as members:

·         Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, Okpe, Chairman.

·         Chief B.S.C. Elue, Aniocha North.

·         Chief (Mrs) Nkem Okwuofu, Aniocha North.

·         Chief (Dr.) Chris Agbobu, Aniocha South.

·         Alawei B. Bozimo, Bomadi.

·         Brig. Gen. B. Demeyeibo, Burutu.

·         Chief Mike Adiomtomre, Ethiope East.

·         Barr. (Mrs) Phillip Atagana, Ethiope East.

·         Chief William Ibori,  Ethiope West.

·         Rt. Revd. Cyril Odutemu, Religious bodies.

·         Chief S.I. Agidi, Ika North East.

·         Chief John Nwagimeje, Ika South.

·         Chief Barrister A. J. Okpakpor.

·         Senator. Stella Omu, Isoko South.

·         Pharm. Paul Enebeli, Ndokwa East.

·         Chief Patrick Osakwe, Ndokwe West.

·         Hon. Dr. (Mrs.) F. Nwaeze, Oshimili North.

·         Prof. E.C. Nwanze, Oshimili South.

·         Dr. Pius Sinebe, Patani.

·         Chief Joseph Egigba, Sapele.

·         Chief Eddy Sorhue, Udu.

·         Dr. (Mrs.) Esther Uduehi, Ukwuani.

·         Chief (Major) Patrick Egone (rtd), Ughelli North.

·         Chief E.D.O. Oborfukoro, Ughelli South.

·         Chief (Dr.) Robert Ejifoma, Uvwie.

·         Chief (Mrs.) Grace Boyo, Warri South.

·         Chief Wellington Okrika, Warri South West.

·         Mr. Joseph Ikhena, Edo State.

·         Bishop Triumph Osian, Religious bodies.

·         Chief Dennis Etaloku, Isoko South.

Chief Festus Ochonogor, senior political adviser to the governor and Bro. Emmanuel Ogidi, special adviser to the governor on rural development and peace building will assist the council in their deliberations.

The Council has the following as terms of reference and responsibilities:

·         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. This objective shall also be adopted as regards the local government councils;

·         Carry out in-depth studies and render advise on issues, which can strengthen harmonious relationship with the Federal government and other states in the federation;

·         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.

Okowa charged the Council members to note the seriousness of the task before them, as history beckons on them not to disappoint the people. “This administration is relying on your ability to relate with the communities and grassroots organizations in your areas and help them to connect with the policies and programmes of the administration. And you must consult widely and painstakingly, in a variety of ways to ensure we understand the needs and views of local communities. In the task before you, no voice is too small and no opinion is irrelevant,” he told the Council members.

The governor confirmed that the inauguration of the Advisory and Peace Building Council is the first step in the fulfillment of the second point in his administration’s SMART agenda, which is meaningful peace building platforms aimed at political and social stability.

Okowa in praising past administrations’ efforts in containing youth restiveness and militancy, he contends however that kidnapping, cultism, sea piracy and crude oil theft with their attendant economic and environmental challenges are beginning to rear their ugly heads. “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. All these constitute serious threats that we must confront with boldness and decisive action,” the governor said. He believes that government should continue, at all times, to find ways to strengthen the foundation of the unity of Delta State.