By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
The Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has said that it is his earnest desire to see that peace returns to the troubled Okuama Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area and others affected as a result of the killing of 17 officers and soldiers in Delta State.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo, representing Delta South in the red chambers, made the disclosure while fielding questions from journalists in Warri on the reason himself and two other Senators from Delta State, Senator Ned Nwoko and Senate Ede Dafinone, visited the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, recently.
He said that they were at the Defence Headquarters to appeal for the release of the detained traditional ruler of Ewu-Urhobo kingdom, His Majesty, Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1 in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state over Okuama deaths.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo, an astute administrator and financial guru, stated that apart from appealing for the release of the Monarch during the visit, other issues relating to how peace would be restored for the return of members of the community who fled in the wake of the incident were also discussed.
He added that they were saddened by the killing of the soldiers in Okuama community, noting that the incident no doubt has truncated the peace in the community and the state in general, hence the need for all stakeholders to work expediently towards ensuring that peace return to the area.
“W are all worried, Deltans and Nigerians are worried over the development in Okuama and environs. We have condemned, sympathized and expressed concerns. We have also condoled with the military and families of those that died as a result of the unfortunate incident.”
” It is time to make peace and it must be holistic. Whatever that will bring about permanent peace in the community, Delta State and Nigeria in general is what we stand for. It is my desire to see that peace returns to the troubled area as soon as possible. I wish to use this medium to appeal to all those involved in the peace process to expedite action to see that peace is restored.”
” One thing we must known is that no community, state or nation progresses in crisis situation. Therefore we must all embrace peace to enthrone development in our communities.”
” I wish to also use this medium to express appreciation to my colleagues in the senate from Delta State Senator Ned Nwoko, Delta North and Senator Ede Dafinone, Delta Central for the understanding and love they have demonstrated. Peace and development does not discriminate. We must ensure we continue to work for the overall interest of our people in spite of our political divide.”
While calling for calm and the release of the detained monarch, he restated the importance of avoiding all forms of crisis that may lead to the killing of security officers in the state, saying that no society thrives under crisis situation.
It would be recalled that the detained monarch was among the eight persons declared wanted by the military authorities for their alleged involvement in the March 14 tragic incident at Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area.
The monarch had surrendered himself to the police in Delta state before he was transferred to the military, where he has been detained after being declared wanted.