Governor Godswill Akpabio has
charged the people of the state not to relent in their show of love to one
another for peaceful coexistence.
Represented by his deputy, Lady
Valerie Ebe, during a joint stakeholders’ meeting for a peaceful resolution and
adoption of a common position on the communal conflict between Eyo Abasi and
Idua communities in Oron Local Government Area, on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, the
Governor said the step for peace initiated by the two communities was highly
commendable.
Governor Akpabio said the people of
the area were civilized people as such should thrive to remain civilize by
keeping to the terms reached at the meeting, emphasizing that defaulters will
not only attract the wrath of government but that of God.
Speaking earlier, the Chief Whip and
member representing Mbo State Constituency, Mrs. Alice Ekpenyong, said the ‘Eyo
Abasi-Idua’ crisis has led to loss of lives and properties worth millions of
naira.
She expressed appreciation to the
State Government for its speed in bringing lasting solution to the crisis,
calling on the people of the area to have
Her Oron/Udung Uko counterpart,
Chief Jerome Isangedighi, expressed happiness that lasting peace was coming to
the area, saying “Today is one of the happiest day of my life seeing all those
who were at war with themselves coming together to seek lasting peace.”
He urged the people of the area to
shun anti-social vices, love and embrace each other for development to thrive.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Oron
Local Government Council, Mr. Orman Esin, expressed delight to see peace return
to the area in his tenure and thanked the State Governor for responding to the
yearnings of the people of the area.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler
of Oron, Owong Odiong Akan, appealed to the Governor to promote activities that
will engage youths of the area and also ensure the implementation of the
decisions of the tribunal set up.
Others who also spoke for the
peaceful coexistence of the people of the area included the Clan Head of Idua,
Owong I. O. Ekeng; that of Eyo Abasi, Owong Francis Eyo; youth leaders of
communities, victor Okon, Ini Eyonkere, and Chief Okon Asuquo.