From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The federal government has been urged to establish and revitalise a Forest Security Corps aimed at curbing crime and criminality in the nation’s forests, which have become safe havens for criminals.
The Deputy Country President of the United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC), Ambassador Sir Peter Ohagwa, made the call at the inaugural convention of the Rivers State UN-POLAC Chapter.
Sir Ohagwa, who emphasised the need to engage local vigilantes from various rural communities across the federation, added that the corps should be trained rigorously by the military and equipped with sophisticated weapons before deployment into the forests.
The Deputy Country President, while advocating for peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and the wellbeing of citizens in the state, urged stakeholders to sheath their swords and resolve grievances amicably. He noted that Rivers State plays a significant role in the economic development of the country.
“Rivers State is the fifth most populous state in Nigeria with over three million residents. It is also the second-largest economy in the country, next to Lagos. Port Harcourt, the state capital, is one of the largest cities in the country and contributes significantly to the nation financially,” he said.
He also explained that peacebuilding is a collective effort and solicited the support and cooperation of the Rivers State Government towards the effective coordination and promotion of a peaceful atmosphere.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, represented by the Clerk, Dr G.M. Gills West, commended the efforts and commitment of UN-POLAC in promoting peaceful coexistence. He reiterated the commitment of the State Assembly to advancing the cause of peace in the state and the country at large.
Earlier, the Country President of UN-POLAC, Professor Fumi Davies, called for proactive measures by peace advocates and stakeholders to maintain and sustain peace and security in the country and restore human dignity.
The convention, themed “Effective Reconciliation Processes to Enhance Peaceful Coexistence Amongst the Citizenry”, also featured awards presented to peace advocates. Among the recipients were the Executive Governor of the State, Siminalayi Fubara, who received the highest award as the Grand Commander of Peace, and the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule, among others.