By Hon Matthew Ochada
All we need is Peace
“We need peace for prosperity
The message is solid with clarity
Developments in world are because of peace
We and our children living with ease
We need peace to find our dreams
To reach success’ ultimate extremes
We need to live happily forever
That is everyone’s deep desire
World looks so colourful and bright
No matter we are black or white
Love for all, hate for none
Everyone living with fun
Peace prays God to hear
To live without any fear
Peace open heaven’s gate
Makes the world so great
Peace makes youth to thrive
The old are happily alive
Peace makes us stronger
To live and cheerful for longer
You should have no doubt
Peace is the only correct route”
– Imran Khan
Recently, Kogi state have been in the news mostly for the wrong reasons. The unending Kogi State House of Assembly imbroglio became an issue of great concern to all peace loving Kogite.
A divided House of Assembly of two factions of G5 and G15 headed by two different speakers respectively became evident. The lingering crisis degenerated to different levels and kind of litigations
Having in mind the attendant consequences of the prolonged crisis, a concerned Kogite, Oladele John Nihi (Peace Ambassador) rose up to wade in to the Assembly crises with the sole aim of ensuring peace and restoring normalcy in the hallowed chamber.
He took the bull by the horn creating a WhatsApp group (KOGI PARLIAMENTARIANS) of concerned Kogites who saw reasons in the laudable initiative that leaped above party lines.
The composition of the group cut across party faithfuls of various political parties, past and current Lawmakers, government appointees, members of the State Executive and Kogites from all walks of life.
Promptly, an eleven (11) man committee was set up to carry out various responsibilities by embarking on a rigorous fact finding mission on the history, causes (immediate and remote), effects, condition for settlement in the view of bringing enduring peace and normalcy to the hallow chambers.
From onset, many termed the idea and initiative as a battle lost before commencement. Few gave their words of encouragement. I gave my blessings.
After meeting with the both factions, the committee extended the meeting with the entire Honorable members of Kogi state House of Assembly with the governor, to finalize and seal the resolution and peace agreements.
Courtesy of these PEACE AMBASSADORS, what we have now is a one big and United Kogi State Assembly. This indeed was a colossal achievement and historic feat made possible by God Almighty.
For the records, Oladele John Nihi and co never entered the reconciliation deal with the mandate of the party. In the course of the peace agreement, nobody attested to have been mandated by the party. They played their roles as Kogites who wanted PEACE not minding party affiliations.
As party men, are they not entitled to their private life? Should all our endeavours be woven along party lines? I need an Answer!
Their roles as volunteers ended after seeing PEACE being restored to the Assembly. Case closed.
Who gets WHAT, WHEN and HOW becomes the lawful responsibilities of the Lawmakers and no longer the business of the peace volunteers. They called for peace by putting Kogi first, they achieved it and we are grateful.
The onus now lies with the various parties to rub minds with their various Lawmakers on the way forward and not to spank the peace loving Kogites who dropped party affiliations to see peace reign in Kogi House of Assembly.
My humble submission though.
