By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Dr. Chinyere Alimba of Modibbo Adama University (MAU) has on Wednesday emerged the interim chairman of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) as the search for lasting peace in the North East intensified.
This is coming immediately after new members who are a associates and students status were inducted at the center of peace and conflict of Modibbo Adama University Yola (MAU)
The North East region has been bogged down by the scourge of Boko Haram terrorism for over a decade leading to the death of thousands and displacement of millions, sparking renewed moves by stakeholders for lasting peace.
MAU has in the wake of the social insecurity, established a center for peace and security studies in a move to proffer lasting peace to the insecurity bedeviling the region and Nigeria by extension.
In his remarks during the occasion, the Director center for peace and security studies Dr. Jude Momoh noted that history was made in Adamawa as members of the SPSP are inducted and inaugurated for the first time in the state.
He noted that the need for peace and progress can not be overemphasized leading to the valiant efforts by stakeholders to ensure that the state chapter came to fruition.
In his speech, Prof Isaac Albert expressed optimism that with the caliber of people in the state chapter of SPSP, the dream of nurturing a lasting peace in the northeast region will be rooted.
Albert who stood in for the chairman Board of Trustees (BoT) of SPSP, Professor Sulaiman Bogoro noted that the choice of Yola is strategic as it is the most peaceful state in the region.
He said many security personnel that forms part of the Adamawa SPSP were trained by the United Nations adding that with a personality like Dr. Alimba as the leader he was upbeat that the state chapter will record tremendous successes.
Albert thanked the immediate past vice-chancellor of Modibbo Adama University, Professor Kyari Mohammed for establishing and nurturing the center for peace and security studies despite the imminent challenges adding that posterity will remember his valiant strides at ensuring everlasting peace in the region.
Also speaking, the national president of the society, Professor Nathan Danjibo noted that the induction and inauguration of the state chapter marked the beginning of epoch-making events that will bring peace to the troubled region.
He emphasized that because of the strategic place it is occupying, the SPSP incorporated all professionals and NGOs who are interested in peacebuilding in Nigeria adding that the main objective of institutionalizing the organization was to build the capacity of Nigerians to solve their existential challenges.
Danjibo called on the members to be united noting that no achievement can be made in an atmosphere of chaos and rancor as he urged them to be good ambassadors of the society.
While calling on members to prepare ahead of the national election of the body, Danjibo said full members of the society can aspire for positions of their choice without hindrance.
He noted that conflict is becoming manifest in Nigeria because it has become a big business yielding high dividends to its promoters underscoring the need for good people to come together and discourage the odious business for the good of all.
Also speaking, the vice-chancellor of Modibbo Adama University, Professor Liman Tukur urged the newly inaugurated members of the society to be peaceful, law abiding, and united.
Tukur who was represented by Professor Umar Inuwa said Nigerians in the diaspora are attaining great accomplishments but surprisingly we are lagging in almost all areas of endeavors at home.
He called on Nigerians to have a change of heart adding that no one can solve our challenges except ourselves adding that if we harnessed the quantum of human and material resources endowed on us, Nigeria will be the greatest country on earth.
Inuwa urged the people to be careful as another election circle approaches adding that most of the divisions and sentiments in the country are whipped up by uncultured politicians for the expediency of grabbing power.
He called on people to be wary of activities of conflict merchants who will go to any length in promoting crisis for their selfish proclivities adding that we can only get it right if we do away with the antics of such unscrupulous persons.
In his statement, the interim chairman of Adamawa SPSP, Dr. Chinyere Alimba who urged for the cooperation of all and sundry pledged to do his best to enthrone peace in the region adding that nothing can be achieved in a rancorous atmosphere.
