The Senator representing Rivers South-East in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Abe, has begun the process of reconciling warring communities in Ogoniland of Rivers State.
The peace move that started with K. Dere and B. Dere Communities has extended to Deeyor and Deken in Gokana Local Government Area.
Addressing the people of the Communities locked in clashes over land dispute at separate venues, he implored them to forgive one another and allow peace reign in the area.
Senator Abe who watched majority of the people indicate interest in peaceful co-existence assured that his peace efforts in the district will continue but acknowledged God as the fulcrum for peace in the communities.
“Many people have fought for so long in several communities, they have developed hatred for one another, they have deep-seated misunderstanding, it’s not possible for you to decree peace, it is only God that working through their own minds can bring peace that would be sustainable”.
The chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), said as part of the initiative, representatives from the communities would work with him to restore peace.
“We have asked them to nominate their own representatives, that will come together to create the terms and conditions under which talks will hold; we are looking for home-grown peace based on forgiveness, togetherness and understanding because it is our responsibility to hand over our communities peacefully to the next generation”.
While urging the people to recognize the sanctity of human life, he cautioned on vengeance, noting that vengeance is of God.
“Vengeance does not belong to man, it belongs to God. I’m not a judge; I cannot bring peace, only God can bring peace and nobody. So if today God brings peace, let nobody say that it is Magnus Abe who brought peace because no man can give peace, peace comes only from God”.
On his part, Chairman, Gokana Local Government area, Demue Ledee Demue commended Senator Abe for the initiative and promised to work with him, noting that the current effort was holistic compare to previous attempts and advised the warring communities to embrace the peace process.
Bishop, Diocese of Ogoni Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Solomon Gberegbara, an indigene of Deken community, lauded Senator Abe for mediating in the communal crisis and appealed to the warring communities to forgive one another in obedience to God’s commandment.
Prayers were offered at the communities for the restoration of peace and development amidst speeches by other stakeholders
Source: RiversPolitics
