Offa-Erinle crisis: AbdulRazaq inaugurates peace committee

Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has inaugurated a committee to resolve the longstanding Erin-Ile and Offa crisis in the state.

Inaugurating the committee made up of statesmen and diplomats in Ilorin on Monday, AbdulRazaq expressed optimism that the process would help to finally restore harmony between the two feuding communities.

Former governor Cornelius Adebayo would lead the committee, with retired Justice Saidu Salihu, Alhaji LAK Jimoh, and Chief Titus Ashaolu as members.

Other members were Sen. Simeon Ajibola;, Alhaji Abubakar Ndakene, Sen. Mohammed Ahmed, Permanent Secretary (Political, Cabinet and Special Services) and Mr Sabitiyu Kikelomo-Grillo, while Prof. Hassan Saliu would serve as Secretary.

AbdulRazaq urged the committee to proffer a lasting solution to the perennial crisis that has claimed lives and properties for decades.

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“For posterity, this government has decided to swiftly move in another dimension to finding a lasting solution to this crisis.

“I am indeed very grateful to the Almighty for making this day possible for us to witness and with the belief that today’s stride will bring a good turnaround to an age-long issue between Offa and Erin-Ile communities,” said the governor.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration was attended by the retired UN special peace envoy and Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.

AbdulRazaq said that the protracted crisis, with the last one recorded in March 2021, was a major headache to the administration and a drawback for the economic viabilities of the two communities.

“This is why we have carefully selected few among many that we believe are elderly and have vast knowledge in a peaceful resolution.

“I, therefore, want to congratulate the chairman and members of this committee for the opportunity to serve the state in this capacity.

“I am delighted for being able to put together this very powerful committee with men of vast experience.

“The issue of Erin-Ile and Offa has been with us for decades with so many panels.

“So, let me make it clear that the government has no interest in supporting any community.

“You have a free hand to go where the law takes you. Please work with the two communities to come up with your report,” he urged.

Gambari commended the governor for his sense of duty and the historic step to break the ice.

He urged the two communities to agree to a peace deal that would further cement the nickname of Kwara as the state of harmony that was the bridge between the north and the south.

Gambari said a peace deal between the two communities would be the best gift anyone could give to President Muhammadu Buhari, whose eyes, the diplomat said, would now be on the committee.

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“I speak with the authorities of President Muhammadu Buhari. I briefed him constantly on land disputes between Erin-Ile and Offa, and he always stress the imperative of peace and unity.

“Because without peace, there can be no progress and development. No investor will invest his money in an atmosphere of confusion and chaos.

“The toughest conflicts are among brothers. Erin-Ile and Offa are brothers. These are communities that are part and parcel of Kwara state.

“Mr President has asked me to impress upon all the stakeholders that the best present that you can give him is to let peace prevail among the two communities and in Kwara state.

“For me, it is a unique opportunity to be here to personally deliver the message and to really underscore the imperative of peace to our state known as the state of harmony and state of peace.

“We are the most northern extension of the south and the most southern extension of the north, and we live in the middle of the country.

“Kwara is a natural home of peacemakers, natural bridge builders.

“So, how can we be natural peacebuilders and peacemakers and not have peace in our own communities? Charity must begin very much at home,’’ he said.

Gambari commended the governor for his tireless efforts in ensuring that peace prevails between the two communities.

“He briefs me all the time and I in turn brief His Excellency, the President.

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“What he has asked me is to stress the enormity of the task this committee has. Because what we want is the permanent solution to the perennial conflict which has taken so many lives and so many resources,” he said.

The chief of staff also commended the chairman and members of the committee for accepting to serve, adding that “the eyes of Nigerians are on you.

“The eyes of Mr President are on you. I believe by God’s grace, success will be yours because your success is the success of the two communities and the success of Kwara state.

“I have been privileged to be a peacemaker on behalf of the United Nations in Myanmar, Iraq, Cyprus and Zimbabwe, and my last assignment was in Darfur between many communities.

“For me, the fundamentals are the same that there cannot be violent or military solutions to conflicts.

“We have to find what unites us. What unites us is greater than what divides us.

“We have to identify the spoilers and isolate those with personal interest so that the centre of gravity can prevail,” Gambari added.

Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, assured the governor that members of the committee would do their best to make the government and the people proud.

“We commend the governor and appreciate the presence of the Chief of Staff to the President.

“His presence here confirms the commitment which we very much appreciate,” he said.

Adebayo added that members of the committee cannot decline such an important state assignment. (NAN)