TRACKING> A Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. (Engr.) Franc Enekorogha has stressed the need for greater unity in Ijaw nation.
He said division and factionalism has eaten deep into her polity, particularly among the Ijaw ethnic nationality in Delta State and called on the people to embrace peace, oneness and unity of purpose.
Speaking during an event in his Warri Resident, to usher in the new year, Rt Hon Enekorogha, enjoined all to sheath sword of difference, division and factionalism and harmonize for a common front.
The former Lawmaker who was the immediate past Director General, Delta State Direct Labour Agency, noted that, evil persist when those that should speak against it are mute, saying “the people can not prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over their head but can prevent them from building a nest in their hair”.
“When two elephants fights, the earth suffers. Such is the fate of the Ijaws due to division. This is not a time for blames on who is right or wrong, or to who is to render apology, but a time where each of us needs to make frantic efforts to walk on the part of unity, peace and togetherness to achieve the desires we yearn for”, He said.
Continuing “In the common court of equity and justice, no Ijaw man is free. All is guilty. We have at one point or the other offended ourselves. It is true, a house divided against itself can not stand. Unity is the remedy. It is the tent and foundation to which a people, a family and a society stay strong” Enekorogha stressed.
The Former Speaker urged Ijaws of Delta State to borrow a leaf from the bond which existed between the tongue and the tooth, stressing “of all the confrontations that goes on, the tongue and the tooth, still unites against their common enemies amidst what is experienced. It is disheartening and quite appalling to see a family and a people that ought to be together fighting one another”.
“We must bridge the gap by letting the past behind us, take to the path of truth which is unity and put on the collective armour for what we owe for posterity. Those that sin with us will eventually sin against us. So the remedy is to turn them down for reconciliation as there lies the power, strength of courage and bond of unity” Enekorogha admonished.
He said division has stayed among the people for too long, stressing that vengeance has placed the people at same level with the enemies, and appealed to all to wake up to realities.
“Forgiveness puts us above. Let’s forgive one another to move on. Rebuilding becomes vital when timely repairs is neglected. And now is such time for repairs”, Enekorogha added.
The ceremony was attended by Senator James Manager, the Chairman, PDP, Delta South, Chief Dr. Julius Takeme, Hon Asupa Forteta, retired Wing Commander, Peter Biakpara, Hon. Collins Eselemo, Hon. James Nieketein, Barr Oweilaemi Pereotubo, the Chairman, Burutu local government council, Hon Godknows Angele, Chief Julius Government, Mr. Kofee Amasuomo, Hon Arede Edeinmene and Amb. Ebitonmo Alapala among others.
