By Ogar Monday
Cross Riverians have been charged to always resort to mediation as a tool for conflict resolution and to resist the urge to violent self help in the settling of disputes, as no society can develop in the absence of peace.
The Federal Government too, has been tasked to use military force only as the last resort to curb crisis, as there is need for all citizens to have their grievance heard as a means to douse tension and resolve conflicts.
This was according to Prof. Joseph Ukwuyi, Sub-Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Calabar while speaking at a seminar organized by Partners for Peace (P4P), Cross River State chapter in commemoration 2017 International Peace Day celebration.
Prof. Ukwuyi stated that crisis abound everywhere in the world, but it is the way it is handled that will determine if it will escalate to a full blown war or if it will become lessons for the government.
Ukwuyi further advised the Government to look at the deepening marginalization in Nigeria that has led to calls for restructuring and secession.
Earlier speaking, the Coordinator, P4P Cross River State Mrs. Okoho Umo said the event was organized to sensitize the public and relevant stakeholders on the peace building process and the need to maintain peace and unity.
The Coordinator added that peace building is a process and that P4P has been involved in the last one year in crisis across the state and in each of the senatorial districts of the state.
Mrs. Okoho added that the organization is not resting on its oars in its’ constant pursuit of sustainable peace in the state.
Some of the participants present thanked the organization for hosting the event but asked government to work hard towards the maintenance of peace by properly funding the security agencies and quick dispensation of justice.