Jubilation in Ogoni
…As Olumba Declares Bori State
…Struggle for State Creation goes Spiritual
…Stakeholders React
Walter Duru
It was celebration galore in the historic ethnic group of Ogoni in Rivers state,
Nigeria, as people of the area last Saturday, celebrated what they described as
a 'spiritual approval' of their age long dream for the creation of Bori state.
The event, which took place at the Bethel of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star,
Taabaa road, Bori titled: Olumba's position on Ogoni state creation was
attended by thousands of citizens and stakeholders from the area.
Speaking at the occasion, Chairman of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star
Bori state creation Committee, Pastor Letam Nwibani, explained that the essence
of the celebration was to appreciate God for promising that the dream state
shall be actualized, as well as to keep the hope of Bori state creation alive.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni people,
MOSOP, in the struggle, describing it as more spiritual than physical.
“The creation of Bori state , apart from being Moral and physical, it is mostly
spiritual. Here comes in Brotherhood of the cross and Star's movement for this
purpose, the spiritual actualization of the mission. The time for emancipation
of Ogoni people is now. The predecessor organization for this struggle is the
Movement for the Survival of ogoni people. This would not have been possible
without the human face to it. Today is our golden time and chance for Ogoni
total emancipation, peace, liberation, freedom and disentanglement from the
pangs of pains , poverty and suppression. Enough is enough!”, he warned.
Continuing, he says: “The formation of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star,
Ogoni state creation Movement is spiritual and based on provocation,
ingenuinety, love and understanding. Its cardinal objective is to strive to
bring together in unity and perfect understanding of the various ethnic
nationalities within the geographical area, so that we can speak with one voice
and act in unison on all common issues. After all efforts to bring peace to
Ogoni in the past failed, it was discovered that the problem of Ogoni people and
the neighborhood was spiritual”.
Recounting the achievements of the body, the clergy stated: “the main
achievement of the BCSOSM in pursuit of peace and all the above was consumed in
the formation of this movement as the umbrella body for spiritual approach for
the people. The high mark of the formation was the overwhelming support for the
courtesy visit on the Sole spiritual head of the Universe, Leader olumba Olumba
Obu on the 13th of September, 2008. This grand support witnessed the interest of
the great and mighty, small and big, the chiefs and Royal Highnesses”, he
stressed.
Speaking on their visit to leader Olumba Olumba Obu, Nwibani explains, “ We
passionately requested for the father's divine intervention in the areas of our
pressing problems, prominent among which was the issue of state creation and
arrest of militancy. In his divine response, the King of Kings and Lord of
Lords, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu called for love, oneness , unity and
peaceful coexistence for political and spiritual growth in the area. He frowned
at the people's warring attitudes and called on them to sheathe their sword for
good things to come. He decreed that 13th September every year be memorable in
our lives, being the day God granted our heart desire and created state for us.
He said, “the only one state that remained, I give to you”, he stressed.
Nwibani however appealed to people of the area to refrain from violence and be
strong in prayers to God.
The highlights of the occasion were a dry fasting, divine thanksgiving service,
celebration of feasts, outing, spiritual choruses, among other remarkable
events.
The programme was attended by very important dignitaries, among whom were:
representatives from the seven[7] Local Government Areas that make up the
proposed state: Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro, Khana, Gokana, Tai, Oyigbo and Eleme;
Political office holders, traditional Rulers, religious leaders from different
denominations, business men, and thousands of concerned citizens.
In their respective speeches, the people glorified God for not living them
comfortless, reiterating their optimism and confidence in the the actualization
of the Bori state creation project.
“Yes, I believe. In those days, when the people of the present day Bayelsa state
went to him, he pronounced for them and they were given a state. Akwa Ibom, the
same. There are others and our own will not be different. Having said it, it
shall come to pass”, said one of the traditional rulers, who preferred
anonymity.
He also made a case for some other minorities in the Country, especially, Benue
state, where he described the creation of APA state as long overdue.