The National Association of Seadogs Rivers State said that peace and security of Rivers State must be a priority for all concern.
The group made the remark at a one day Rivers States Security Stakeholders’ Summit in Port Harcourt with the theme: Insecurity in Rivers State: “A discussion towards surmounting the many challenges”.
In the keynote Address, Prince Ifeanyi Onochie of the National Association of Seadog cap’n said the Association created the forum stakeholders to extensively deliberate on the impact and consequences of violence and dissidence and collaboratively find practical and sustainable solution to the violence in the state.
Prince Onochie stated that Rivers State is hosting the maiden edition of the summit because of its strategic position in the country especially the violence that spring up from the recent election most youths was involved noting that Rivers State was the melting pot, a strong and vibrant industrial hub but regretted the peace has eroded Rivers people because of the activities of the youths saying the prevailing situation has made the need for a holistic review because peace and security are the greatest desire of all right thinking people of the state and the communities.
He maintained that the security summit is not only timely and relevant but would also provide an opportunity for all the participants in the conflict to sheathe their swords and come together to their social corporate responsibility for peaceful coexistence.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Rivers State Hon. Fred Atteng said the summit come at a right time considering the level of insecurity in the state, which is the best strategy to curb the menace.
He said the issue of security was very paramount in the mind of the governor has he addressed the traditional rulers and Chiefs of Rivers State recently saying the Chiefs should stand up especially by giving information to the security agencies.
In an interview with the Journalists shortly after the event, the capon of the National Association of Seadogs Rivers chapter Mr. Herbert Nwaka who is also the convener of the summit said “we need peace in the State and the summit should be further extended to the various communities where the youths will be properly addressed”.
Earlier, the representative of Nigeria Army Lt. Col T. M. Opurum blamed the crisis on the lack of traditional value system, explaining that criminals are recycle on daily basis. He advised all to partake in the fight against crime especially on information gathering.
In a communiqué presented by the National Association of Seadogs said there should be an organized comprehensive advocacy to include the traders, youths leaders, Elders and the motor park people to discuss way forward. There should be a collaboration with security Agencies on peace and security, Armed forces must be strengthen especially in training in crises management, while politicians should not dabble into youths election and chieftaincy matters. Government should provide economic climate for youths to be empowered.
Ken Henshaw has earlier explained the role of the Association and many other intervention of the process of peace in the state.
The summit attracted youths, traditional rulers and other security agencies.
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