By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
Former lawmaker representing Cross River North senatorial district at the National Assembly, Senator Steve Odey, has charged youths and stakeholders of Yache nation in Cross River State to live in peace with their neighbouring communities rather than engage in any war, as no community can attract progress into it’s land when it is under a war torn atmosphere.
Odey gave the charge during a meeting with the stakeholders and youths, which took place at Alifokpa-Yache community in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State at the weekend.
Addressing the leaders of thoughts from the six clans of Yache nation, Odey, who is also the state Commissioner for Education, urged the residents of the community to sheath their swords, so that peace can return to the land.
Odey said, “Peace is priceless, pursue peace so that progress can as well be attracted to the land.
“Let me be frank to our people it would be difficult for for development to enter our land if we remain fighting with one another.
“My passionate appeal is for every aggrieved person to sheath his or her swords, for differences are not better resolve by taking up arms. Matters are best resolved at the negotiating table rather than through arms. With peace, a lot can be gained.
“With peace, I assure you that those farmlands and other valuable items lost due sue to civil unrest which errupted leading to loss of one thing or the other can still be recovered. I can assure you that once you people allow peace to prevail a lot can be achieved.”
In his remarks, the Clan Head of Ijiegu-Yache, community, His Rotal Highness, Chief Isaac Omaji, lauded Senator Odey, the state governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, and his deputy, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, for their tireless efforts towards finding a lasting solution to the civil unrest that had threatened the peace and unity of the people.
He appealed for the deployment of additional military personnel to the community in order to provide more security to residents of the community who can no longer access their farmlands which had almost become death traps.
The monarch also appealed for additional security personnel around schools in Ijiegu community to protect school children.
