In a bid to establish a lasting peace and ensure more developmental strides, the Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has inaugurated the first batch of the Imo Peace Advocate Corps.
Owelle Rochas Okorocha
Inaugurating the corps at the Nicks Banquet Hall Government House Owerri, the governor stated that there was no alternative to peace in any environment that needs security, unity and progress.
Okorocha, who said he would tolerate any insult for peace to reign, revealed that the Rescue Mission Administration was founded on peace so that Imo state will be better stressing that the present administration has resolved about 125 Ezeship tussles and conflicts in the State, including those that have been in existence for over 10 years.
The governor, who stated that the corps is a sacrificial, voluntary and apolitical group, stated that “peace is a sacrifice you must make without minding the cost”
He charged them that as peace makers and ambassadors of peace they should “show example, preach the gospel of peace, and see your job as sacrifice that must be made without counting cost”.
He said he had the intention to set aside a day in October for Peace, Reconciliation, Forgiveness and Mercy, adding that those in prison who have suffered years of neglect and injustice and those that have repented will enjoy their freedom pointing out that a committee to be headed by the Attorney General of the state will soon be set up to that effect.
In his address, the Special Adviser to the governor on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Chief Peter Ohagwa, regretted the gross neglect by the previous administrations leading prolonged conflicts and petitions in the state, which has hampered the desired progress of many communities forcing some individuals to take laws into their hands.
He noted that the governor out of his love for peace and development established the bureau on June 23, 2011 and charged the it to update the strategic conflict assessment of Imo state; device strategies for mediation and resolution of numerous conflicts inherent in rural areas and engineer peaceful co-existence of the rural dwellers in the State.
