Joseph Odok|26 August 2017
Peace in Boki that was achieved by efforts of prominent Boki sons and daughters is at the moment sacrificed at the altar of political relevance by some appointees of the governor. The Boki crisis is caused by political rivalry and the search for dominance by pro-SSG Barr Tina Banku Agbor group (that is seeking to use her office to dominate the political scene) on the one side and the pro-Mark Obi group (that have grown militants on efforts to make the government live to responsibility through proper engagement with the host community) on the other hand.
Through long process of dialogue and meetings with prominent Boki sons and daughters in Ochibe Bokyi, the highest decision making body, peace was restored. With peace and quiet restored, there were calls for amnesty for the militants after due apology. The process of recovery of arms has not however been satisfactory complied with.
Information available to my desk alleges that the SSG to the governor took advantage of the new yam festival to visit home. She is alleged to have instigated the arrest of identified militants. Attempt to arrest the militants has sparked off fresh crisis. Communal war almost erupted yesterday with the Borum community attempting attacks on Oku community yesterday. This came after arrest of some perceived militants. As at today, the road leading to Borum community, the home of Barr Tina Banku Agbor had been completely closed. Frighteningly, there are plans for reprisal attacks from different camps creating real fears of imminent war if the government does not swing into action.
Monetary inducement by interested parties (especially from pro government take over of the estate) has killed objectivity and created confusion that may lead to full blown war.
Recommendations:
1. The government must stop any arrest of militants and focus on efforts at recovery of arms.
2. The government should call his appointees to order and possibly sanction them for destroying the peace of Boki.
3. The government should begin a process of the privatization of the estate and intimate a process of managing the estate pending the finalization of the privatization process.
4. The government should cause the meeting of his team with the Ochibe Bokyi for a synergy in the management of the crisis and possible solution to the Boki crisis.
Joseph Odok
Social Change Agent
