By Jesse Ese
National News – The leadership of Isoko Ex-agitators Forum has commended the Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel Thomas Onowakpo, for his timely intervention in the recent security crisis that rocked Emede Community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen by the chairman of the forum, the self-styled General Lucky Jonah, on Monday.
Lucky Jonah described the senator’s swift response and engagement with relevant stakeholders as a demonstration of purposeful leadership and commitment to the safety and well-being of his constituents.
He noted that the incident, which followed a security operation in the community and resulted in destruction of property and injuries to residents, created fear and tension among the people, but expressed satisfaction that the intervention of Senator Onowakpo had helped to calm frayed nerves and encourage a return to normalcy.
The Isoko Ex-agitators Forum chairman also acknowledged the efforts of the Isoko South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday, the traditional institution, security agencies and other community leaders who worked together to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
According to him, Senator Onowakpo’s commitment to dialogue, peace-building and the protection of lives and property has strengthened public confidence and demonstrated that the welfare of the people remains a priority.
Lucky Jonah appealed to the youths of Emede and neighbouring communities to remain peaceful, law-abiding and continue to support efforts aimed at sustaining peace and stability across the area.
He also urged security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities with professionalism and respect for the rights of citizens, while encouraging residents to cooperate with lawful authorities in the interest of lasting peace.
He said, “The leadership of Isoko Ex-agitators is happy that the matter didn’t escalate beyond this level, and we must thank our performing senator, our leader and mentor, Joel Onowakpo, who is the vice chairman of the senate committee on defence, for stepping in because it would have been disastrous.”
“This is not the time to cast aspersions, and so we would not want to delve into how the matter started or who was wrong or right, but we would like to call on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to step in to see what can be done especially to those who were victims of this unfortunate incident. We learnt some people lost their houses and other valuables.”
“And we want the security agencies to also operate in tandem with laid down laws. It doesn’t tell well of our state when any time we appear on the news, it’s always about ugly issues between civilians and security personnel.”
“In the interest of peace and stability, the leadership of Isoko Ex-agitators is also calling for the release of those who are still in detention over this issue. If their offence is not a grave one, they should be released to go about their normal businesses.”
“And we also want the Senator representing Delta South, Joel Onowakpo, to use his good office as vice chairman of the senate committee on defence to address the issue of illegal police and army checkpoints across the length and breadth of Isoko.”
“There are certain things we don’t want to say on air, but if you live in Isoko, then you know what we are talking about – the high level of harassment and extortion.”
“We are not saying they shouldn’t do their jobs, but they should operate within laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and their presence on the road should be to safeguard lives and property, rather than harassing and extorting money from citizens,” he noted.
The Isoko Ex-agitators Forum reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace and development in Delta South and pledged its support for all genuine efforts geared towards ensuring security and harmonious coexistence among the people.
