THE Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Religious Matters, Bishop Greatman Nmalagu, has advocated that for the Federal Government to effectively tackle agitation in the country, it should adopt Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s Model of Conflict Resolution.
Nmalagu who spoke in Asaba, stated that clamping down on agitators would only embolden more persons to make demands from the Federal Government.
While noting that some of the demands were genuine, Bishop Nmalagu emphasized that Okowa’s Model of Conflict Resolution if adopted by the Federal Government, the country will be safer, more progressive and the people will be more united.
He said, “I am not happy that the Federal Government is losing in the fight to make our country more peaceful and more united.
“I call on the Federal Government to adopt Okowa Model of Conflict Resolution.
“It is easy; all that is required is for a team to come to Delta and study how Governor Okowa has made the state more peaceful and the people more united since 2015 that he assumed office.
“Nigeria has a lot of ethnic groups, in Delta, we have a lot of ethnic groups too, in Aniocha/Oshimili alone, there are more than five languages – the Ebus, Okpanam, Obior, Isheagu, Ejeme and several others speak different languages though, the central language is Aniocha.
“It is the same in Ndokwa, and Ika in Delta North Senatorial District. Even in Delta Central, the man in Ughelli may not understand Okpe, Uvwie or Ughievwen, yet they are all Urhobos, so, in reality, Delta has more than 100 languages and different religions and political affiliations but, Governor Okowa has ensured that the people are more united and peaceful through his model.
“Our Governor did not discriminate in the area of political appointments, so, the Federal Government should try proper balancing.
“Governor Okowa through different programmes have created a lot of job opportunities, so, almost everybody is gainfully employed in the state; the Federal Government can also do such and achieve results if there is no discrimination.
“There are several other measures Governor Okowa employed for a more peaceful to be achieved which the Federal Government can adopt for Nigerians to see themselves as Nigerians rather than seeing themselves as Yorubas, Biafrans, Fulanis, Hausas and so forth.
“Again, any political party that is zoning presidency to the North for the 2023 general election is working for the break-up of Nigeria.
“To avoid the break up of Nigeria, all political parties should choose their presidential candidates from the South; secondly, intimidation and killing people who are agitating for the break-up of Nigeria will not bring about solution, through the Okowa Model o<span;>therwise, the agitation will not end.
“If work is not available for the people, you cannot curb lawlessness, banditry.
“If Governor Okowa is to contest for 3rd tenure, Deltans will vote for him because he has provided employment and dividends of democracy for the people.”
