2019 ELECTIONS: OVIE OF AGBON KINGDOM, POLITICAL PARTIES STAKEHOLDERS, SECURITY AGENCIES BRAINSTORM ON SUSTAINABLE PEACE IN ETHIOPE EAST LGA

By Christopher Odamah, Isiokolo

As part of efforts to ensure sustainable peaceful co-existence among the wonderful people of Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Michael Omeru, Ogurime-Rime, Ukor’i 1, the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom in Isiokolo today held a robust peace parley meeting with candidates of various political parties, party faithfuls, stakeholders and security agencies to promote peace in the local government.

The peace parley meeting, was put together by the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom and the Agbon Traditional Council ahead of the general elections slated for February 16 and March 2, 2019.

In his opening remarks, HRM Ogurime Rime welcome all stakeholders present, urging them to maintain calm and ensure that the resolutions from the meeting would be aimed at peace and tranquillity.

He said that politics is all about development. This meeting will facilitate an understanding of the shared vision for lasting peace as an imperative tool for development in the local government .

“We have come here with good intentions and sincerity of purpose. We cannot afford to have anything less than peace. If we must develop a strong united local government, then we must have peace. Peace that is founded on justice, equality, security and equity,” Ukori 1 added.

Also speaking, the All Progressive Congress Chieftain and former General Secretary of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori said that all stakeholders must leverage on the norms and values to promote peace, equity and justice in order to build an enabling environment for resilience and to address lingering grievances.

A Chieftain/ leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Michael Adiotomre said that the Party in the local government is ready to ensure peaceful conduct of the election and advised politicians and political parties to play the game according to the rules and shun any act of violence and brigandage.

The Divisional Police Officer of Isiokolo Police Station, CSP P.A. Enyne thanked the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom for creating a conducive atmosphere for the people of Ethiope East while promising a hitch free electionsHis Royal Majesty, noting that since all political parties started their campaign the Police Force has been on ground.

“On behalf of local government, we will continue to advocate for the upholding of the rule of law while providing the enabling environment for a free, fair and credible election”, he said.

The six (6) sub-clans representative appreciated the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom for this initiative of peace building and were full of joy as this is the first of its kind since the creation of the Local Government, while promising to call their wards, children to order in ensuring a peaceful conduct before, during and after the general elections.

Speaking at the gathering, the current member representing Ethiope East State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Honourable Evance Ivwurie expressed his deepest appreciation to His Royal Majesty, Ogurime-Rime, Ukor’i 1, the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom for his leadership qualities, saying “What you have done today is extremely remarkable in our journey towards actualising a develop Ethiope East Local Government Area. There is no gain saying that ‘you are a world class traditional ruler”.

Hon. Ivwurie, also thanked members of Agbon Traditional Council for deeming it fit to support this serious issue our King is championing. I must say this menu our King, Ukori 1 is serving the worthy people of Ethiope East is a recipe for free, fair and credible election. Traditionally speaking, HRM Ogurime-Rime is the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of this Kingdom and Urhobo Nation.

According to him, “HRM Ukori 1 has said that if anyone or group of persons is planning to import any one to cause anarchy, chaos and crisis in this forth coming general election, that person/ people will be banish from the land. It Is only in an atmosphere of peace that development can thrive.”

Honourable Evance Ivwurie, who is the PDP House of Assembly candidate to represent the worthy people of Ethiope East State Constituency added that “I am fully in support of this peace parley and promise to play by the rules of the game. I will not tolerate any violence. I am committed to the growth and development of this local government”.

Meanwhile, the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate for the Ethiope East State Constituency, Chief Innocent Anidi was absent at the peace parley meeting.