Bayelsa State Government has appointed former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Victor Ombu (Rtd), as chairman of the steering committee on the resolution of the protracted crisis in Bassambiri community in Nembe Local Government Area of the state.
The 11-member panel comprising five other members each from both factions in the conflict has the mandate of proffering lasting solutions to restore peace in the community.
Governor Diri, who convened the crisis resolution meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, on Tuesday, gave the committee a duration of six months after which the community is expected to elect a substantive king.
For more than 20 years, Nembe-Bassambiri had been enmeshed in intra- communal crisis which had defied efforts at resolution of the crisis
At the meeting with the community’s representatives led by the Senator that represented Bayelsa East in the 9th Senate, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, the governor said the panel’s only terms of reference is to ensure peace in Bassambiri that transcended party politics, oil and gas issues and bring about unity and oneness among people of the local government.
In his acceptance speech, Vice Admiral Ombu (Rtd) said he accepted the assignment in deference to the governor and acknowledged that it was a huge task ahead of him and other members of the committee.
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The retired Naval Chief however assured that the assignment would be diligently handled as everyone in the community was tired of the crisis and wanted a peaceful resolution.
Speaking on behalf of both factions, Chiefs Samuel Teigbenyo-Ikoli and Iruo Donald, accepted the intervention of the governor and the appointment of Ombu to lead the peace process.
They promised to work together to restore peace in Bassambiri.
Other members of the committee are Chief Kuroghafa Walter-Benwari Prof. Danfebo Derri, Chiefs Don Arisimo, Ogbari Sokari and Barimugha Debo.
The panel also has Chiefs Daubozu Obiakpa, Abbott Ogbu, Kienghosuote Degi, Onyante Keremah and Amakiri Duo as members.
