Omu flays ethnic disagreement among Nigerians

AMEMBER of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Senator Stella Omu, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace as a better antidote to disagreement.

She made the call at the weekend during an event organised by the Women Wing of Isoko Development Union (IDU) for former warring communities, OkpoloEnwhe and Igbide. It was part of activities to mark 2017 International Day of Peace held at IDU Secretariat in Oleh, Delta State.

According to her, world peace can only be achieved through tolerance and collective resolution. She stressed that peace was a major catalyst for development. Omu, who is the initiator of the programme cum rally themed, 'Together for Peace: Respect, Safety And Dignity For All, while addressing the over 1000 women in attendance, urged them to be diligent in displaying leadership and instilling discipline in their children and families, noting that mothers are the pillars of society.

She commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his peaceful disposition and understanding of the role of peace in development. She applauded the various community queens and women of both Enwhe and Igbide communities, who attended for their resilience and commitment to building peace.

Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the IDU Women Wing president, Ambassador Caroline Usikpedho, contended that peace was a right and desire of all people, hence the need for all to be committed to building it and development was sacrosanct.

"Together, we must denounce war and crisis, which only result in destruction. Let us pledge peace, build bridges and transform fear into hope," she stressed.

IDU’S President, Chief Iduh Amadhe, represented by Chief Edede Jonathan and Bishop John Aruakpo, represented by Ven. S.A.T. Edogbeji, as well as others said all hands must be on deck to ensure peace in Isoko, as key to true development.

Highpoint of the event was a unity rally tagged, "Together Igbide, Enwhe, Okpolo For Peace,” to the palaces of the Ovie of Igbide, HRM Edward Obukeni; Odio-ologbo of Okpolo-enwhe, HRM Samuel Otide and the Ovie of Enwhe Kingdom, HRM Anthony Efekodha.

The rally was graced by royal mothers of five kingdoms in Isoko, namely Queen (Hon.) Betty Efekodha (Enwhe), Queen Rhoda Owhe (Umeh Kingdom), Queen Josephine Ogheneovo (Iyede), Queen Obukeni Idewe, (Igbide) and Queen Uzezi Ogeh (Ase kingdom).