BY: VITALIS UGOH, Calabar
A Non-governmental Organization given to Peace Building and Conflict Management in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria , “Partners for Peace in the Niger, P4P”, has called on the government of Cross River State to begin the process of implementing the report of the Ndoma-Egba’s led committee set up to mediate on the Ebom, Ebijakara crisis.
A statement issued by the Cross River State Chapter Coordinator of the Network in Calabar, Mr. Ukorebi Esien, mentioned that the governor Ben Ayade having received the report from the committee over 3 months ago, should as a matter of urgent public interest begin the implementation process.
By so doint, this will avert possible return of the crisis.
He noted that implementing the report will go a long way in ensuring that the ongoing peace process as brokered by several Peace Actors within the communities and members Network wouldn’t be in vain.
Ukorebi said this is part of the Partners for Peace P4P’s activities to celebrate the 2021 World Peace Day.
He further commended governor Ben Ayade for having the courage to delve into the Ebom, Ebijakara crisis which hasd lasted for close two decades with several persons displaced while lives and properties worth millions of Naira have been lost.
He insisted that Peace must return to the Bahumono communities of Abi Local Government Area for sustainable development to begin.
“Having received the report from the Ndoma-Egba’s led committee which have worked tirelessly and produced her report, it is only pertinent that the governor ensure the report is implemented.
The people are ready for Peace, but government must help them ensure that peace is achieved and one way in doing that is to implement the report.
“No doubt other governors in time past had attempted solving that crisis but what will distinguish governor Ayade’s approach and that of his two predecessors will be in the sincerity of purpose by implementing the report by the committee.” The report reads in part.”
Ukorebi also inform that P4P have been at the forefront of peace building and conflict mediation on Cross River State, stating that the network have been involved in several interventions across the state and its currently intervening in the Erie communal crisis in Biase LGA and the Bahumono crisis in Abi local government area.
He, therefore called on all stakeholders including security agencies to reenforce and ensure Cross River State regains its status as the most peaceful state in Nigeria.
