NDUDI ONYEMEKARANWANNADI, OWERRI
Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has appointed HRH Eze M.O. Kanu (Ochiriozuo), the traditional ruler of Ejezie Autonomous Community in Ideato Council Area of the State and the Chairman Agura Hotels Ltd Abuja as the Chairman of the State Peace Ambassadors Council.
Hon. Peter Ohagwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace and Conflicts Resolution and the State Peace Advocate Corps Commandant General disclosed this while representing the Governor during the inauguration of the 11 man Council at De-legend Hotels, New Owerri Conference Room.
Ohagwa informed that the council which is the highest peace making body is saddled with the responsibilities of maintaining peace within the state’s 644 Autonomous Communities, foster unity within the five South East States and build bridge of Unity across the nation.
In his address, the Governor’s aide recalled that 7 months ago, some of the council members were prestigiously investiture as Ambassador of Peace by the State Government based on their individual contributions and performance in the area of Peace building in their various Communities.
He lamented that the state and the nation at large are faced with one kind of violent crisis or the other ranging from Boko Haram insurgence to Hausa Fulani Cattle herdsmen atrocities, kidnapping, youth restiveness, Niger Delta Militancy and other anti social vices which he insisted requires wise counseling than the use of force.
The Special Adviser noted that despite efforts made by his office to resolve some communal crisis that many Communities are still face with conflicts that requires their daily attention on conflicts mediation like Ezeship Tussle and land boundary disputes and the need to propagate peaceful co-existence among rural Communities.
Conducting the inauguration proper, HRH Eze Oliver Ohanweh, Ggbugbugburu I of Ihim Autonomous Community and the State Patron of Peace Ambassador said other members of the council apart from himself and Eze Kanu are Ambassador Mrs. Chioma Tycoon, the Transition committee Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Council area who serves as the Council Secretary, HRH Eze Chris Agbugba, HRH Eze Benneth Ezesinachi, HRH Eze Cletus Umeji, HRH Eze Martin Oruizu and HRH Eze Uranu Ekeh and HRH Eze Prof. Dele among others.
Ohanweh informed that the Council will also play advisory role to the state Government in terms of any critical issue that might be brought to their attention.
The foremost traditional ruler further said that the council will seriously participate and assist the state in peace advocacy, by sponsoring peace summit that will unite the entire South East geo-political zone so as to reconcile their differences that could enable them speak with one voice.
In his acceptance speech, HRH Eze Maxwell Kanu, the Chairman of Council of Imo Peace Ambassadors while thanking Imo State government for their commitment towards peace and visionary governance vowed to work diligently in ensuring peace, stability and tranquility reigns in the State.
According to Kanu “As the Chairman of the great Council of Imo Peace Ambassadors, the first of its kind. I will use the best of my ability to achieve the aims of objective of the council”, he assured.
The Chairman further commended the efforts of the state government, especially Hon. Peter Ohagwa for championing peace and stability.