By Ebriku John Friday
In a bid to proffer lasting solution to the communal clash between Oba and Itega-Okpame communities, the Councilor representing the good people O’oh Ward in the legislative arm of Yala Local Government Area, Hon Oluohu Joseph Odey recently moved a motion on matter of urgent public interest in the floor of the Council’s legislative House.
The Councilor, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Public Works, Utilities and Projects, urged the House in the motion to call on the Chairman of the Council, Hon Fabian O Ogbeche to set up an administrative committee to look into the crises.
The motion tagged, “MOTION ON MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC INTEREST” read,
“Whereas Section 4, 3 (d) of Cross River State Local Government Law (2007) provides for each Local Government Council to maintain Peace, Order and Good Governance in the Local Government Area, I wish to bring to the Floor of the House a Motion of Urgent Public Interest concerning the crisis that took place between Oba and Itega-Okpame in O’oh Ward, which led to the destruction of lives and properties on the 18th of August, 2021.
“I hereby move a motion calling on this Honourable House to, as a matter of urgency condemn those responsible for the crises, and call on the chairman of Yala Local Government Council to immediately, set up an administrative committee to among other things:-
a. Visit the two warring communities
b. Assess the damage to both lives and properties
c. Determine the refugee situation
d. Identify the remote and immediate causes of the crises
e. Make recommendations to finally put an end to the regular crises on the disputed land
I so move.”
Following the motion, Hon Oluohu Joseph Odey last week Tuesday led the Leader of the House and his other colleagues for an on the spot assessment of the disputing. During the visit they stopped at the Yala Divisional Police Headquarters in Okpoma to speak with the DPO.
It was also gathered that the delegation paid a courtesy call the Paramount Ruler of Yala LGA, HRM Ogamode Onah Ipuole to brief him and received his royal blessings.
They were also able to meet with the leaders and youths of the both communities and appealed to them embrace peace and efforts of various stakeholders to arrive at permanent solution.
The Councilor assured that the lawmakers of the council will leave no stone unturned until lasting peace is restored and love and unity becomes the daily life of the sister communities.
