*AGATU PEACE FESTIVAL: A SHOW OF POLITICAL DYNAMISM OR GENNUENE QUEST FOR PEACE?*
The Agatu Community peace festival, themed “THE PLACE OF PEACE IN SOCIAL POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT”, has sparked outrage and disappointment among locals. Comr Ochokwunu Daniel Edor, Convener of Agatu National Youth Council (ANYC), blasts the event as a “comedy display of hypocrisy” and “political acrobatics”, questioning the sincerity of leaders.
Edor highlights glaring issues:
– The festival featured the Commissioner for Education, yet Agatu lacks thriving schools due to communal crises sparked by unresolved conflicts among community leaders.
– Politicians and traditional leaders are accused of prioritizing power over people’s welfare, politicizing community lives and safety.
– A community hero who sacrificed for Agatu’s peace remains in detention without just cause, while leaders “pray for a rocket science peace”.
– Notable absentees include John Ngbede, Godwin Abu Edoh, Idris Ojimbili, Hon Pencil Michael Umoru, and Inalegwu, raising questions about the event’s credibility.
He criticizes the gathering as a “show” where politicians “lie to the masses”, prioritizing power over people’s welfare. “You all are the problem of Agatu,” Edor asserts, demanding integrity and truth.
The ANYC convener emphasizes that peace requires more than prayers; it needs justice, accountability, and leaders who prioritize the community’s needs. “Until the right thing is done, peace gatherings are just a show,” Edor declares.
Locals echo his sentiments, feeling marginalized and disillusioned. The festival’s credibility is questioned, with some wondering if it’s a campaign platform.
Will Agatu leaders heed the call for genuine change, or will the community’s cries fall on deaf ears? The quest for peace continues.
Ochochi reporter