Posted by The Port Harcourt Telegraph on
There are reports suggesting that cows distributed by a prominent Okrika politician (name withheld) to Okrika communities are being returned.
There are reports suggesting that cows distributed by a prominent Okrika politician (name withheld) to Okrika communities are being returned.
According to information, the action may not be unconnected with the recent crisis in Okrika and the allusion, rightly or wrongly, that he may have had a hand in its escalation.
Okrika had been torn apart by a tussle for the kingship and political control in the last five years, with the crisis snow-balling into gruesome killings and the destruction of property.
The situation regrettably resulted in the exodus of many ordinary Okrikans from their homeland while Okuru, a tiny Okrika community on the fringes of Port Harcourt was completely destroyed as the Bush Boys and the Vigilante fought for control of Okrika's internal security..
Our sources explain that a combination of these factors and the quiet anger that it continues to evoke in Okrika circles might be responsible for the current rebuff of the very prominent Okrika politician, despite attempts at reconciliation.
Already, a number of communities namely Kalio, Ogan and George have returned their cow gifts.
Reports further claim Chief A.K. Dikibo's community may have returned its cow gift, with some sources hinting Okujagu may have followed suit.
It is not clear if the communities acted on their own or if there are forces acting behind the scene to frustrate the ambition of the said politician.
In Okrika, not many forget easily and if the rejection of the cows are anything to go by, what is evident is that those brokering the peace in the area may need to work harder to pacify all those who feel bitter.
In the meantime, there is no evidence Amadi-Ama received its share of the cows, but in Amadi-Ama, there were so many cows to consume.
Companies operating in their area brought so many cows as homage and evidence they would be willing to respect their host community.
In Okrika, many remembered their departed - those who fell on both sides of the divide - as the year ended.
They should have been around to celebrate the Yuletide but they are no more.
Some did not for that matter have the benefit of decent burials and the benefit of their body being found.