Diri appoints Ombu to lead Bassambiri peace committee

Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa has appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Retired Vice Admiral Victor Ombu, as Chairman of the steering committee tasked with resolving the long-standing crisis in Bassambiri community, Nembe Local Government Area.

The 11-member panel, comprising five representatives from each faction, aims to find lasting solutions to restore peace in the community.

Diri convened the crisis resolution meeting in Yenagoa on Tuesday, giving the committee six months to complete its work, culminating in the election of a substantive king.

The community has faced numerous crises over two decades, with previous efforts yielding little success.

At the meeting, attended by Sen. Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, representing Bayelsa East in the ninth Senate, Diri emphasised the panel’s sole objective.

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He said that the panel would be ensuring peace in Bassambiri, transcending party politics and oil/gas issues, and fostering unity among the local government’s people.

Ombu, who accepted the assignment, acknowledged its enormity, and assured diligent handling, as the community sought a peaceful resolution.

Chiefs Samuel Teigbenyo-Ikoli and Iruo Donald, representing both factions, welcomed the governor’s intervention and Ombu’s appointment, pledging cooperation to restore peace.

The committee members include Chief Kuroghafa Walter-Benwari, Prof. Danfebo Derri, Chiefs Don Arisimo, Ogbari Sokari, Barimugha Debo, Daubozu Obiakpa, Abbott Ogbu, Kienghosuote Degi, Onyante Keremah, and Amakiri Duo.