The Ogoni Journalists Platform, OJP has strongly condemned the spate of crises rocking some Ogoni communities, especially the recent violence in Deeyor, Dekein, Biara, Nwebiara, Barako, B. Dere and K. Dere in Gokana Local Government Area in which many lives were allegedly been wasted and property worth millions of Naira destroyed.
Rising from an extra-ordinary meeting of the body in Port Harcourt, OJP said violence leading to the wanton destruction of lives and property was alien to the people of Ogoni and advised perpetrators to stop their nefarious activities forthwith in the interest of Ogoni land.
In a communiqué signed by the chairman of the body, Mr. Barivule Akpo and the secretary, Mr. B.B Nwikabari, OJP warned that Ogoni land would remain under-developed in the face of incessant crises in the area.
The statement also stressed the need for traditional rulers, chiefs, politicians, as well as the youths to be alive to their responsibilities rather than using their privileged positions to fan the embers of disunity.
OJP regretted that despite the numerous processes by the Executive Chairman of Gokana Local Government Council, Hon. Deemue Ledee Deemue to resolve the crises and restore peace in the area, some leaders and youths of the affected communities have refused to allow the moves to yield positive result.
It noted that the crisis which has been on for decades did not in any way help the affected communities, as they continue to suffer serious devastation. The Group urged the feuding parties to listen to the voice of reasoning and come to a round table to resolve their differences once and for all.
Ogoni Journalists Platform (OJP) pointed out that the crisis in Gokana Local Government Area has not only embarrassed the people of Gokana, but the entire Ogoni ethnic race, warning that if they do not stop the violence, the body will be compelled to mobilize the people of Ogoni against the communities involved.
Meanwhile, the Ogoni Journalists Platform said it has proposed an Interdenominational Intercessory Fasting and Prayer Session by Church leaders and people of Gokana Local Government Area for God to restore peace to the area.
The body urged the people of Ogoni to resist attempts by anybody or group to cause problem in Ogoniland, rather they come together to fast-track strategies in ensuring that the Federal Government implements the UNEP report without further delay. ###
