OBUFI/UBE CRISIS: CHAIRMAN RECEIVES REPORT

The Chairman, Okobo Local Government Area, Deacon John Asuquo Ita, says his administration is committed to ensuring that peace and unity prevails in the area in order to ginger development and economic prosperity.
Deacon Ita made made this assertion while receiving the report of the Administrative Committee of Inquiry into the Obufi/Ube communal crisis, said no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of crisis and appealed to the people of the area to live in peace with one another.
The Chairman who was represented at the occasion by his Vice Chairman, Barr. Okon Ibok, urged youths of the area not to allow themselves to be used as agents of destruction, but rather, should be engaged in profitable ventures that would help them live a more purposeful life in future.
He noted that the strategic position of an airport in Okobo town, demands a violent-free environment to attract investors and promised that government will do every thing possible to protect the lives and property of her citizens.
The Council boss commended the committee members for a thorough job and promised to study the report critically with a view to implementing the recommendations.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Administrative Committee of Inquiry into the Obufi/Ube crisis and former Secretary to the State government, Chief Okokon Antigha said members accepted to serve in the committee as a mark of love for their fatherland and in the overall interest of peace and unity of the area.
Chief Antigha explained that although the exercise was not easy, the committee was however happy with the level of co-operation they received from the council and the affected communities.
He stated that Okobo was noted for its peaceful nature and condemned the attitude of youths who no longer respect their elders and age long traditions.
He therefore thanked the Council Chairman for giving them the opportunity to serve in the committee and maintained that the recommendations if well implemented, will bring lasting peace to the area.
The report presentation was attended by members of the committee, members of the legislative and executive councils.
Early last year, several lives were lost and property worth millions of naira were also destroyed in a communal crisis between Obufi and Ube in Okobo Local Government Area which necessitated the constitution of a 12 member panel of inquiry to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the crisis and make appropriate recommendations for lasting peace in the area.