Daily Chronicle
The Standing Committee recently constituted by Governors of Adamawa and Gombe States on the rebirth and sustenance of peace among Lunguda and Waja communities of Adamawa and Gombe States has met and stressed the need for lasting peace to be attained and maintained by all means.
A press statement signed and issued by Jack.A.Tasha , Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Media and Publicity to the deputy governor of Gombe State said that, the committee met under the Co- Chairmanship of the Deputy Governors of Adamawa, Chief Crowther Seth and Gombe State, Manassah Daniel Jatau, Ph.D, met at Pwanabato Recreational and Event Centre, Numan.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting and read by the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, the Committee agreed to pay well publicized visits to the palaces of the paramount rulers of Lunguda and Waja who should assemble all their District Heads, Ward Heads, Religious Leaders, Youths and Women Leaders and other community leaders to be in attendance.
It also constituted a joint assessment subcommittee to assess damages and recommend mode and quantum of distribution to beneficiaries.
The standing committee also noted the need for the Twenty five Million contribution each by the Adamawa and Gombe Governments be pooled for eventual distribution to beneficiaries.
They agreed that with the approval of their Excellencies, the Governors to reach out to Federal Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, North East Development Commission, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other relevant stakeholders for assistance to victims.
The Committee is also to suggest to their Excellencies, the Governors to critically review the reintroduction of the operations of Local Hunters and Vigilantes to assist local communities in maintaining security after due profiling.
In his goodwill remark shortly before the meeting the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manassah Daniel Jatau, Ph.D, described peace as a vital tool of enhancing smooth operations in any given society.
He emphasised that the part to peace, is a part that must be trod,, even thou it may be herculean but must be accorded seriousness in order to achieve positive results.
Mr. Jatau added, that it was in recognition of this that their administration in Gombe state has invested huge amount on security matters and in their involvement in the peace accord, with a view to brokering peace between the two communities.
He charged the community leaders to always identify criminals in their midst, and report them to security agents for them to face the wrath of the law, so as to serve as deterrent to others.
He enjoined the Traditional and Religious Leaders to educate their subjects and followers on the need to embrace peace and love one another for peace to reign, assuring the Committee of total commitment of Gombe State to the peace accord for continued cordial relationship between the two communities in the two states.
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Chief Crowther Seth, explained that the Committee is meeting to discuss and proffer lasting solution to the crisis between Waja and Lunguda, with a view to restoring them back on pedestal of peace, harmony and tolerance.
He said it is unfortunate, pitiable and shameful for brothers and sisters that have shared common historical and mutual friendship to wake up one day and begin to fight themselves, calling on the communities to embrace and love one another for the good of all.
Chief crowther, said, the Government of Adamawa is bent on ensuring that peace is restored in the two communities, adding that they shall fully support the Committee to succeed in the task of restoring peace for continued mutual coexistence.