Notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress, ONC, has supported the call for the declaration of state of emergency on Omoku masquerade following recent sad developments.
It will be recalled that the Traditional Prime Minister and Iyasira Xiii of Ogbaland had made the appeal to the Peace Advocates at the New Year retreat organized by International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) held in MAPS Hotel, Omoku. The Orashi National Congress, ONC, sees the call therefore, as a welcome development.
Speaking on behalf of the ONC, Amb Comrade Emeni Ibe, expressed worry over the changing trends of the aged-long Okroso Cultural practice of Ogba people after concerted efforts have been made to control the activities of the masquerade group in the face of the fast developing city of Omoku.
“The ONC is not comfortable with the current crisis involving the masquerade group and a lawyer, which has already claimed the life of a young man called Obulor in Omoku and we join relevant stakeholders in the call for the declaration of the state of emergency on the activities of the masquerade in Omoku.”
“We join the call to insist that the masquerade group must operate within the armbits of the law to forestall the breakdown of law and order. We also advise the people to learn to control their temper in all circumstances as the law is not a respecter of persons.”
“We use this medium to call on all stakeholders to help restore peace and normalcy in the land. We strongly support dances, masquerades and activities that help celebrate our culture and traditions but they must be used to promote peace and security in our region” Amb Comrade Emeni Ibe concluded on behalf of the ONC.