Don canvasses peaceful resolution of disputes as commissioner seeks return to regions

The Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Prof. Mike Okom, has called for the adoption of a peaceful approach to end of all conflicts in the country and resultant security challenges they pose.

According to him, this can be done through synergy between the security outfits and others.

Okom said this in Calabar on Saturday while delivering a lecture at a two-day retreat of Corps of Saint Lazurus Chaplaincy.

“Conventional approach has failed to foster bond and unity in the country, hence there is an urgent need to explore a more viable options,” he said.

The clergyman applauded the group for efforts aimed at promoting harmony and peace in the world.

The Deputy Commandant in Chief of corps, Col. Uwe Akan, said the group was established in Austria in 2006 as an offshoot of Saint Lazarus Union.

Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon, has urged Nigeria to return to regional system of government.

Speaking to The Guardian yesterday, Okon lamented the manner Nigeria is structured and feared development would continue to elude the country.

He said: “The problem we have in Nigeria is not the absence of resources. We have enormous human and material resources but the problem is that of leadership. The difference between a successful country and the one that is not doing well is the leadership.”

The commissioner lamented that Nigeria is lagging behind many countries that got independence after her.

According to him, such countries are doing well because they have the right leaders.

Okon said: “The way we are structured as a country is not right. We have to go back to the drawing board because it wasn’t like this. At the initial stage there were regions and the country was moving in the right direction. But when that was jettisoned it’s like we lost direction, but I believe that as a people we have learnt a lot over the past few years. We should go back to regional system of government. As a country it is very sad that we don’t have a national carrier. We need leaders that are willing to provide selfless services and will see the country as one.”

Okon decried unemployment in Nigeria and importation of petroleum products from other countries.