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| Senator Magnus Abe |
The Senator representing Rivers South-East in the National
Assembly, Senator Magnus Abe, has begun the process of reconciling warring
communities in Ogoniland, 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
of the state.
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.
Abe, who watched majority of the people indicate interest in
peaceful co-existence, assured that his peace efforts in the district would
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 is not possible for you to decree peace, it is only God
that is 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 recognise the sanctity of human
life, Abe cautioned them against 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, the Chairman, Gokana Local Government Area,
Demue Ledee Demue, commended Abe for the initiative and promised to work with
him, noting that the current effort was holistic compared 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 the senator 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.
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