Delta State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa says peace building is an instrument for the prevention of occurrence and reoccurrence of violence as it addresses the root causes and effect of crisis through dialogue.
Governor Okowa made this point at government house Asaba while inaugurating the judicial panel of enquiry into the Okpe-Urhobo ( Ukpe- Sobo) forest reserve and other ancillary matters related to the de-reserved portions, encroachment among others.
Governor Okowa said the panel was set up to stop the undercurrent of tension between the host communities of the forest reserve which has propelled series of letters and petitions on the status of the Okpe-Urhobo forest reserve, especially the purported de- reserved portions.
The panel with justice Diai as its chairman was given 4 weeks to round off its assignment with the 3 terms of reference which include establishing the ownership of the Okpe- Urhobo forest reserve; identify and locate the boundaries of the Ukpe-Sobo forest reserve; determine whether or not the size of the reserve was at any time altered by any existing or defunct instrument of government.
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The governor explained that his choice of people with unblemished character and without vested interest was to ensure that the matter was adjudicated in fairness and equity. He reiterates that his administration over the years has embraced peace building through which he engages and reconciles dissenting groups.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
