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Okrika Warlords Take Oath for Peace

This Day (Lagos)
NEWS
October 21, 2004
Posted to the web October 21, 2004

By Okon Bassey
Port Harcourt
Lasting peace has finally returned to the violence prone Okrika Local
Government area of Rivers State as all warring factions unanimously and
unconditionally embraced peace in a traditional oath taking ceremony.
The Oboku Piri Apu who are responsible for administering oaths conducted the
rituals on the warlords, the leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante Group (NDVG),
Mr Ateke Tom, and the leader of the Bush Boys, Mr. Sonny Opuambe, at Ogoloma at
noon on Tuesday.
Chairman of Okirika Local Government, Prince Ibibia Opuene Walter, the brain
behind the peace initiative expressed happiness over restoration of lasting
peace in the ancient Kingdom.
Optimistic that peace has come to stay the council boss stressed: 'this is a
climax of all genuine efforts put together after serveral trials, but this is
the time God wanted peace to come.'
He attributed the feat to neutrality and sincerity exhibited during negotiation
for peace urging the groups to imbibe the virtues of sincerity based on honesty
to allow peace reigns.
The council boss said with the restoration of peace, his administration will
use her resources to transform the area.
Walter praised the group for their maturity and love advising them to always
toe the path of peace and dialogue.
The Walga chairman used the forum to advise those outside government to proffer
suggestion that will make the government succeed rather than engaging in
unecessary conforntations.
Also speaking the Amayanabo of Ogoloma who personally supervised the
proceedings and the Amayanabo of Koni-ama, Capt. N.T. Oputibeya, thanked God
forbringing peace to the kingdom.
They acknowledged the wisdom and visionary leadership of the council chairman
and prayed God to always direct him in the administration of the council.
The royal fathers commended the warring groups for their love for Okrika and
urged them to ensure that the peace is sustained.
In their separate responses, Ateke Tom and Sonny Opuambe commended the Okirika
council chairman for his fatherly role and peaceful disposition pledging their
resolve not to disrupt the peace.

   

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