Again, Ngige, Uba embrace, assure on peace
From John-Abba Ogbodo, Abuja
HOPE for the return of lasting peace to Anambra State was raised by the principal actors to the dispute in Abuja yesterday.
After a meeting of the Presidential Committee on the Resolution of the Crisis, Governor Chris Ngige and his estranged political sponsor, Mr. Chris Uba pledged to forget their differences in the interest of the state.
While Ngige pledged to make more sacrifices to engender peace in the state, Uba said that Anambra would never be turned to a war theatre again.
The duo proceeded to embrace each other, the second time since the fresh hostility began.
The governor described the recent crisis as a turning point in the history of the state, declaring it as a dark moment.
He said that as a father of all in the state, he would make every sacrifice to end the crisis, which he admitted had taken much toll on the people and the state.
Ngige said that crisis would have no place in the state any longer, lamenting that all that Anambra inherited from the old Eastern Region had been destroyed in the violence.
The governor whose face bore palpable agony, called on his political rivals to exhibit similar gesture.
He said: "We are at a turning point in the history of Anambra and in the life of our party because of these festering crises. This is a dark mo`ment in Anambra. We are therefore determined to mark the end of these crises. I, as a father, will make every sacrifice that will bring peace.
"I don't want the people to suffer what they have suffered again. We have lost all that we inherited from the old Eastern Region and old Anambra State. I call on Chris Uba to continue on the path, which we have started today so that our people will not suffer anymore," Ngige said.
The governor continued: "We have all learnt our lessons and the lesson is a bitter one. We will not give the devil any chance in Anambra State again. Anambra will come out stronger."
Ngige praised President Olusegun Obasanjo for setting up the committee and assured that with the commitment demonstrated by the stakeholders, peace would soon return to the state.
On his part, Uba described yesterday as his happiest day because the meeting was characterised by moments of home truth.
He assured that both parties would announce before the next meeting scheduled for Wednesday (tomorrow) that the matter had been resolved.
Recalling his mood on the day of the recent violence, Uba said that he wept after watching the extent of damage on the television.
Today is my happiest day, we started the meeting with truth. I promise that we will continue with this effort. Before the next meeting on Wednesday we will tell you that everything is over. I meant well to bring my friend, Ngige on board. We didn't come there to destroy property. When I saw what happened on the television, I was shocked and I cried that night because it is my state", he said.
Uba said he had confidence in the ability of the committee to resolve the crisis.
He said Governor Egwu is a man of God and ended his speech by saying: "it shall be well".
Earlier, the chairman of the committee and governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Egwu read a communiquZ from the meeting. He said the parties had agreed to put their differences behind them.
The statement read: the President's committee on the resolution of the crises in Anambra State met on Monday, 15th November, 2004 with the stakeholders and interested parties on the crises, at the Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
At the end of proceeding, the following communique was issued:
* All the parties to the dispute have agreed to put their differences behind them;
The meeting calls on law enforcement agencies in the state to immediately arrest violence in the state and bring all perpetrators to book;
* The committee, therefore, appeals for co-operation and understanding of all those concerned and the general public to stay calm while the final resolution of the dispute is being worked out, and
The stakeholders and participants expressed confidence in the ability of the committee to resolve the crises to the satisfaction of the parties, in the interest of the people of Anambra State
Beside Egwu, other members of the panel are, Chief Obinna Ogba (PDP Chairman Ebonyi) Mr. Emmanuel Arinze, who acts as secretary, Dr. Onyioha Nwanjoku PDP Chairman in Enugu State, Chief Uzo Okpara, his counterpart, Abia State, Chief Uzo Okpara, Mr. Uchenna Emodi, Hon. Agunwa Anaekwe, Dr. Nnamdi Oduah and Chief Dan Ulasi.
Meanwhile, the PDP has fixed an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for Thursday.
It will deliberate on the Anambra crisis.
A statement by the party's deputy National Chairman (North) the party Ibrahim Safuna urged all members to attend the forum.
The PDP's NEC comprises all the governors, state chairmen of the party, all members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the President, the Vice President and some members of the Board of Trustees.
