BY BEATRICE AKPALA
The Member representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, has stated in no unmistaken terms that only an atmosphere of peace, equality, good brotherhood and true communal engagement can guarantee quality and meaningful development in any community.
He made the remarks while embarking on a peace-seeking mission once again, to the warring communities of Ofatura and Ovonum in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State, who sadly, have resorted to Persistently taking arms against each other .
The highly disappointed Legislator noted that the continued infighting between the two neighbouring communities, have so far shown that the leadership of the two communities have not lived up to their natural responsibilities and that lack of firm and sincere leadership, has widened the gaps of peace and joy that the people should ordinarily embrace.
He wondered why other communities have been peaceful with each other and have never poked up any skirmishes between them and why the same scenario cannot be reflected in Ofatura and Ovonum. He added that the continued shrinkage of the borders of peace and true communal settlements have eluded the 2 great communities because they have both intentionally refused to play along the path of communality.
He also expressed confidence that whatever the communities do to shot out peace in their midst, peace, tranquility, brotherhood and development will continue to be his watchwords.
According to the lawmaker who has done so much to improve the lot of his people even at the grassroots, the very inescapable routes of the rules of engagement and peaceful coexistence will continue to be his abiding philosophy.
He expressed regrets that in spite of the many days of seeking peace after every communal conflict, the same people who pledge to embrace each other simply push their people into more devastating conflicts. He condemned the wanton destruction of properties in totality and described such behaviour as evil. Adding that it is not in the culture of Obubra people to be so callous with impunity.
The distinguished federal lawmaker also contended that he will continue to do everything possible to bring peace to his people, adding that the Obubra nation cannot be brought to ruins under his watch and political supervision.
Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba sympathized with those at the receiving end of the conflicts and assured them of his preparedness to assist them to recover and settle down properly as time goes on.
He once again called on all the leaders of the warring communities to be sincere with the peace moves they pursue in the interest of their people because whatever they embark on, can positively or negatively affect their entire people.
The people oriented representative who has embarked on many life changing empowerment programmes, does not hide his love for his people each time communal clashes occur as he traverses between Abuja, Calabar, the Cross River State capital and his Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency to bring succour to the people.
Such a peace-loving Representative should be encouraged to continuously support the grassroots with his quality life-changing empowerment programmes and not denying him the opportunity of truly representing his people and also contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of the entire people of his federal constituency.
Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba maintained his constant maturity of never getting involved in communal clashes but has always been preaching peace and brotherhood among his people.
It is now left for the people of Obubra nation at large to wade into the Ofatura/Ovonum communal clashes and save the people from the nightmare of social and economic dislocations.
Rt. Hon Mike Etaba also cried for help, from the Government of Cross River State, the Nigeria Police Force, Military and Para- military Agencies to apprehend the unscrupulous elements parading themselves as Khaki Boys fomenting trouble leading to the incessant crisis in Ovonum and Ofatura Communities in Obubra Local Government Area.
PUBLISHED BY GOVERNOR PRINCE OTU SPOKESPERSON PST BILL FRANCIS BILL CEO BILLIONAIRE BILL MEDIA TEAM AND BLOG.