Odahiekwu Ogunde, Yenagoa
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Partner for Peace in the Niger Delta, has sued for peace among the people of the region, saying that peace is the only panacea for progress and development.
The group made the appeal in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, during its Annual General Meeting, with the theme, ‘Shaping Peace Together for Impact’.
National Coordinator of the group, Chief Pius Akomolafe, said the group had over 10,000 members across the Niger Delta states.
He said, “The Partner for Peace Central Working Committee came on stream towards the end of 2013 through the peace camp that took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“It is the first of its kind in the South-South (Niger Delta) that fosters peace building and the strengthening of the economic standards in the region in a bid to build a society free of conflicts.
“The central working committee of the group has set out modalities through its state chapters to build peace in every community in the Niger Delta.
“Partners for Peace; a non-governmental, non-partisan organisation established in 2013 according to Nigeria law. P4P is dedicated to promoting peaceable livelihood in the Niger Delta through voices, actions and network, through our mission.
“P4P has carried out interventions across the nine states of the Niger Delta since inception with achievable interventions ranging from farmers/herders clash, deradicalisation of cultism/militancy, communal clash, land dispute, violence against women/girls.
“It has also intervened in power tussle, chieftaincy tussle, reduction in criminality, media sensitisation/awareness creation on peaceful coexistence, non-election violence, alternative livelihood/economic empowerment/rehabilitation for the ex-agitators, among others.
“Many interventions are still on going in the nine states. This is the time to reflect on how far we have worked towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions).”
On his part, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Mike Okoli, commended the group for its peace initiative in the region.
He urged them to take the message of hope and peace to the rural areas on the need to shun acts of violence and criminality.
Represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Vincent Amacree, he promised to partner with the group for the safety of the group.
Also, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State chapter, Mr Samuel Numonengi, promised to partner the group with publicity.
Represented by member of the NUJ and broadcast journalist, Mr Tonye Yemoleigha, he said that the union would continue to preach the message of peace during and after elections in the region.