By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
In pursuance of peace and stability in the Benin Kingdom earlier orchestrated by the conveners of Benin Forum of Patriots (BFP), Imasuen Izoduwa and Mr. Osazee Edigin where over 80 notable sons and daughters of the kingdom were graciously nominated, very influencial sons of the kingdom in the diaspora have indicated their interest to be part of the peaceful move.
The group’s views were shared online.
The group, Edo’s In Diaspora Worldwide Peace and Unity Forum, while describing the move as noble one, said they should be included in the process.
The group said such aligns with their core mandate and would want to contribute their quota adding that north, east, south and west, home is always home.
According to the statement released by the group “It has been brought to our notice, that certain Edo Loyalists have created a forum in Benin City in Pursuance of the Unity of all Edolites, whereby many of our respected Edo Indigene have been invited to combine efforts in restoring the unity of all Edo Indigene around the world.
“Such a gesture aligns fully with the minds of all well-meaning Edolites, irrespective of location.
“However, our concern with this is the omission of Diaspora Representation.
“Edo has in the past decades extended its wings across the length and breadth of the globe, hence, record has it, that over a million Edolites are in Diaspora It therefore deems fit, that in such a glamorous venture for the unity of our people, the Diaspora Representation is inevitable.
“The Concept “Unity comprises “Inclusiveness and Respect” in such a collective venture”,
The 10 names and persons that have spoken in favour of the peace move gotten via social media include.
1. Engr. Isaac A. Igbinosun,
President/Founder Organisation of the Great Benin Kingdom Worldwide (OGBK),
(Dublin.Republic of Ireland)
2: Barrister Efosa Ogieriakhi,
Berlin, Germany.
3: Prince Dr. Egbe Omorodion
(UK).
4: Chief Valiant E. Samson-Ezoba
(USA).
5: Amb Prince Omoruyi Agbagie Davis, President / Founder of Edo Community, Dubai (UAE)
6: Pastor Monday Ibude
(UK)
7: Uwagboe Ogieva,
President & Founder of Oseghe Edo Diaspora Association
(Spain)
8: Prince Evangelist Jessy Osemwegie Isibor, Coordinator General, UKGBE
9: Hon. Amb Hamzaosa Ode-Idahosa JP,
Secretary General, NIDO African Continental
10. Amb Collins Osazee Idahosa,
Nigeria Youth President Diaspora
Newstracktoday reports that the Benin Forum of Patriots had said that it has started seeing the dividends of its proposed peace move as it has observed what it tagged a decline in social media war.
According to the statement “Appreciation to all concerned on social media ceasefire.
“The conveners and members of Benin Forum of Patriots (BFP) have noticed a sharp decline in the social media banters and tantrums among the Benins arising from our appeal in our last Press Conference.
“This compliance by all concerned Benins, both at home and in the Diaspora is highly commendable. It is an indication that, in spite our differences, the peace, unity and love for our kingdom is of utmost paramount.
“There wasn’t any reason for anyone to kick against or distance themselves from our initiative as it is the bedrock of any growth or development we all yearn for.
“It was a sight of shame to behold supposedly political leaders who were expected to champion such an initiative among their people distancing themselves to be part of the process.
“It’s a first step of disqualification if such a politician intend to represent same people he wasn’t interested in uniting at a time they were needed the most.
“BFP will continue to take steps towards the actualization of peace, unity, love and greatness of Benins and the kingdom. The calmness achieved in the social media space thus far is highly commendable and it is for our collective interest and gains.
“We also want to advice those that benefit from the disunity and acrimony amongst us to try and come up with sound initiatives that will better the kingdom.
“His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II would appreciate a kingdom that flourishes in peace and unity. Stop fanning the embers of war among us for personal aggrandizement. Peace is priceless.
“Let’s await the action of the elders we have called upon to intervene on the issues we have raised in our last Press Conference.
“His Excellency, Mr. Lucky Imasuen and distinguished Senator Ehigie Uzamere have been duly nominated to midwife the process. They have been officially written to in that regard.
“Thanks once again for putting the kingdom above your misgivings”.