17 April 2014, Warri – Federal Government’s effort at resolving the factional crisis in Ugborodo oil community, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, has paid off, as parties have agreed to a peace accord.
After three months of dialogue with the Nigerian Navy/Police-led peace process, the Dr. Alex Ideh/David Tonwe faction and that led by Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, signed a peace accord at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday on mutually negotiated terms.
In the signed resolution, contention over membership of the expected new Ugborodo Export Processing Zone, EPZ, Interface Committee was put to rest as parties submitted their respective 10 nominees needed to reconstitute the committee, which already has the state government’s appointed Austin Oborogbeyi as Chairman.
Listed in the Dr. Ideh and Tonwe-led faction are themselves, alongside Dr. Ayo Ayomike, Maxwell Okoro, Moses Ajijala, Betty Igbene, Mike Lodge, Tuoyor Ojogor, Elliot Ukutse and Femi Uwawah.
Chief Thomas Reyitomi tops his faction’s list, which also has Alex Eyengho, Prince Perry Atete, Ayiri Emami, Pullen Esimimajemite, Isaac Botosan, Sanbys Omadeli-Uvwoh, John Edah, Mercy Olowu and Julius Atete as nominees.
The seven-point resolution states: “Parties agreed to maintain existing peace in the communities and anybody seen with arms will face the full wrath of the law. All displaced persons must return to their communities immediately.”
Meanwhile, a participant at the final resolution told Vanguard yesterday, that the new Ugborodo Community EPZ Interface Committee could be inaugurated next week by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Our source said: “There is no room for division anymore. All parties are bound to sheathe their swords and embrace a new united Ugborodo. President Goodluck Jonathan is expected in Delta State at the end of the month and top on his itinerary is the groundbreaking for the Ogidigben Gas City Development and the Marine University at Okerenkoko where Ugborodo also holds stakes.”
– Vanguard