Sequel to the orgy of violence and perennial cult killings in Khana Local government, the Rivers State Governor ,Chief Barr. Nyesom Exenwo Wike, has wielded the big stick announcing the dethronement of His Royal Majesty,HRM,Monday Frank Noryaa, Gbenemene Baabe.
Governor Wike’s latest action on the crisis rocking Ogoniland was made public through his Special Assistant on Electronic Media,Simeon Nwakaudu.
In a statement which read in part,” Rivers State Governor, Nyesom-Ezenwo Wike has approved the withdrawal of the Certificate of Recognition from His Royal Highness,Chief Monday Frank Noryaa,Gbenemene Baabe……..The withdrawal takes immediate effect…”
The state government stated that the latest action taken followed an indictment of Gbenemene Baabe on cult related activities within his kingdom. This according to the government, was in addition to the traditional ruler’s indictment in harbouring cultists,an action which bred widespread insecurity in the area.
The governor through his aide on Electronic Media ,Simeon Nwakaudu, restated government’s commitment to promotion of peace and security in the state. The governor again stated that “any traditional ruler or government functionary indicted for promoting insecurity will face the full wrath of the law.”
Meanwhile, the governor’s latest move may not be unconnected with the decisions taken which resulted in the issuance of communiques
Few days before the removal of the traditional ruler, as part of efforts to mitigate the rising tension in Khana, a stakeholders’ security meeting had taken place at Bori, headquarters of Khana local government with a view to curbing what they described as “resurgence of cultism and criminality ” in the area.
The security meeting which held at the instance of the executive chairman of Khana local government resulted in a 9-point communiqué which adopted decisions and recommendations of the security/stakeholders meeting in Government House on 6th May,2019 as a follow up in Khana local government. Other recommendations spelt out in the communiqué include:”That the people of Khana LGA hereby condemn in the strongest term the loss of lives and properties in the cult clashes in Sogho and other Khana communities and therefore, call on all cultists as a matter of urgency to within 48hrs surrender their weapons to the LGA Chairman/Area Commander Bori and allow peace reign in the LGA.
“ That all those who fled their communities in the wake of the crises are called upon to return home and go about their lawful businesses unhindered as the law enforcement agencies are on top of the situation.
“ That henceforth, Traditional Rulers/Community Leaders who harbours criminals and refuse to inform security agencies, upon any tragic occurrence in such community, the affected leaders will be apprehended in accordance with the law.
“ That the Local Government Council Chairman, in exercise of his function, will not hesitate to officially report to His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, any security sabotage/recalcitrant conduct of any Traditional Ruler, Persons, Politicians or group, no matter how highly placed, for immediate action, for the general interest and peace of Khana LGA.
“ That henceforth, any criminal caught with arms and/or in any cult related crime, will never be allowed to come back home and destroy the peace of the LGA and the society anymore.
“ The security agencies have been directed to deal ruthlessly with anybody or group whose stuck in trade is to foment trouble in the Community/LGA.
“ We resolved to adopt Community Policing Initiative as a way of tackling security challenges in the LGA.
“ It is agreed that more four (4) Police Stations should be created in Khana LGA.”
It would also be recalled that recently, as part of the fall outs of the unrestrained killings and violence in Khana, stakeholders including chiefs, elders, political leaders,religious,women and youth leaders had swung into action to stem the tide of rising tension in the land.That was about a month ago. Stakeholders who signed communiqué after the meeting include HM King GNK Giniwa,Seantor (Dr.) BennethBirabi,Chief Kenneth Kobani,Senator Magusdibe,Ledun Mitee,HRH Godwin Bebe Okpabi. Others include Rt Rev.(Dr. Solomon S.Gberegbara,Rear Admiral J.N Bakpo(Rtd),Chief Priscilla Vikue and Dr. Peter Modee.
At the end of their consultation, a joint communiqué was issued , leading to a 14-day ultimatum for unrepentant cultists to repent or face being ostracized from the community. The elders had reached a resolution at an earlier meeting held at Sakpenwa, headquarters of Tai local government where they warned perpetrators to either to the line of peace or risk being tagged enemies of the People. Also, at the meeting, the elders had warned that anyone who failed to expose the identities of the war mongers or failed to administer the oath will be treated as accomplices ,apart from being deposed.
But, with the latest move by governor Wike, expectations are high that the crisis rocking Khana and its environs will be a thing of the past as it will pave the way for a lasting peace in the area.
