By Egufe Yafugborhi

WARRI—FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Ifenayi Okowa of Delta State have charged troubled Gbaramatu Ijaws of Delta State to maintain peace in their communities if they must realise their desired development.

The duo were reacting yesterday to challenges of existence expressed by the people of Gbaramatu at Oporoza, Warri South-West Local Government Area, LGA, where Governor Okowa presented staff of office to the 26th Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba.

Before presenting the staff of office to the Gbaramatu monarch, Governor Okowa, in response to the pains and challenges of the people, said there was no alternative to peace in resolving all the issues expressed.

He said: “There are issues, no doubt. There have been setbacks.  You have reasons to agitate, feel bad, but it is time to heal the wounds. It is time to accept the fact that it is only under a peaceful atmosphere of justice and reconciliation that we can rebuild and plan a good future even for the generations to come. As a state, we are happy that people can present themselves in this peaceful manner as we have met here.

We need resources to work. We can only get resources where there is peace. We look forward to work if we get peace. We must know when to stop violent agitation and embrace non-violent approach.”

On the complaint of frequent military invasion, Okowa said, “Commitments are being kept to ensure a stop to such experiences. I sincerely hope such do not happen to the communities again and that also comes with a commitment for sustained mutual peace.”

Gov Ifeanyi Okowa

Jonathan

In his brief remark, former President Jonathan, whose tenure witnessed Federal Government presence and ties with the Gbaramatu people, re-emphasized the need to sustain peace in the communities to attract satisfactory development support from government and all partners.

He said: “We are happy today, and our friends from outside will feel better, because people do not believe you can come here (Gbaramatu) and have a peaceful gathering. I continue to stress, like the governor, that there cannot be development without peace. There are challenges in the country, but the nation will get over it. Other nations have had similar experiences but with commitment from all concerned, we surely will surmount these challenges and become great with peace as indispensable.”

Chief Gbenekama

Earlier, Gbaramatu spokesman, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, while calling for visible government presence in their communities had appealed to Governor Okowa to discourage frequent military raids on Gbaramatu Kingdom which, he said, had made life unbearable for the people.

Gbenekama said: “Countless men, women, and children have lost their lives to these invasions. As chief security officer of the state, we plead with you to help reduce the presence of the military and stop the raids forthwith. We do not deserve to die because oil was found in our land. Prevail on law enforcement agencies to accord some respect to the revered Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom as it is done to other traditional rulers in Nigeria.

A situation where  law enforcement operatives pounce on communities without seeking cooperation of the traditional ruler by way of information, is regrettable.   This has happened severally even in Oporoza here where he is resident. This is not acceptable. We hope by the presentation of staff of office, all these mistakes will be corrected if they were not deliberate.”

On his part, the  Gbaramatu monarch in his remarks, following receipt of the staff of office, thanked Governor Okowa, former President Jonathan and others including corporate bodies who have contributed to the growth of Gbaramatu kingdom.

To his subjects he said: “Let us shun all vices that will bring the reputation and integrity of this great kingdom into disrepute.”

Also present on the occasion were several traditional rulers from far and near, including King Alfred Papapreye  Diete-Spiff  of Twon-Brass, Bayelsa State, federal and state lawmakers, a team from Chevron Nigerian Limited and representatives of the U.S. Consulate.