Posted by By Ogbologwung Gabriel on
The long awaited Government White Paper on the Ataba Communal crises has finally been released The white paper, which contains government's observations is coming at the heels of the recommendations made by the Judicial Commission of Enquiry headed by Justice P. N. C. Agumagu.
The long awaited Government White Paper on the Ataba Communal crises has finally been released The white paper, which contains government's observations is coming at the heels of the recommendations made by the Judicial Commission of Enquiry headed by Justice P. N. C. Agumagu.
A survey of the white paper shows that that a number of Ataba personalities were indicted.
Among those indicted include Chief Emmanuel Ibondeng Njah whose activities contributed to the destruction of lives and properties in the ancient kingdom in Andoni.
The paper also fingered H.R.H. Chief B. M. H. Egwenre and H.R.H. Chief S. A. Oruk for special indictment.
The government white paper saw them as some of those whose activities brought about the degenerating crisis situation in Ataba.
For Chief Njah, Government after looking through the commission's recommendation said that it accepted the position that Chief Njah be warned or reprimanded by Government "for deep partisan involvement in Ataba Chieftaincy crisis.... For consenting to be made a chief at a time, when in the interest of peace, the Oruks and Egwenres in obedience to a mutually agreed Bori Camp Peace Accord, had agreed to put further chieftaincy installations on hold at Ataba, he is blame worthy".
Government also in part of its recommendations, "directs that his (Njah's) role should be investigated by Law Enforcement Agents, and that he should be prosecuted if necessary".
Njah wass also asked to render unreserved apologies to the Ataba people for what he and the "Biafran" faction which he among others have been identified as leaders have caused the community.
Delving into the issues that surrounded HRH S. A. Oruk, Government, through the white paper directs "that Chief Oruk should vacate the stool of Okan-Ama of Ataba and directs that he ceases to act forthwith. The four ruling families of the Royal compound of Egwe-Isiyork should select a new Okan-ama (paramount ruler)
Government also directs that Chief Oruk's role should be referred to the law enforcement agents for proper investigations and consequent prosecution if necessary.
Oruk, Njah and others of their camp as revealed in the white paper are blame worthy for not being able to tame their youths who have been identified as those who prosecuted the August 15th Ataba massacre.
HRH Chief (Dr.) B.M.H. Egwenre was not spared. He is directed by government to vacate both the stool as the paramount ruler of Ataba and cease to be a chief even in his own family to give peace a chance in Ataba kingdom.
The white paper further says Chief Egwenre "should desist from addressing, and parading himself, or acting as the Okan-ama of Ataba or as His Royal Majesty, Ata I of Ataba, Okan-ama, and also because clan head is not a traditional stool at Ataba".
Government directed that "Chief Egwenre should stand down as Egwenre House Chief", adding, "that Chief Egwenre should vacate the Egwenre House Stool".
The white paper noted that his installation in the first instance was unacceptable and of course one of the causes that triggered off the Ataba impasse.
On chief Isaac Meloh Oruk XIV who voluntarily abdicated the throne of the number seat of Ataba based on his religious belief, since 1976, government through the white paper directs that he too should not even in the future pose for the Okan-amaship stool. Government directed that since he has abdicated the stool so be it.
Consequently, government declared under paragraph 4 of the white paper, "The four (4) ruling families of the royal compound of Egweisiyork, should select and install a new Okan-ama for Ataba. For the avoidance of doubt, the four ruling families of Ataba are:Ebirienuket, Ijork, Irawaji and Ogborogbor.
The Ataba Improvement Union founded in 1964 was equally spotted as one of the elitist associations in Ataba that contributed negatively to the present imbroglio that the community suffered.
Noting that it was unhappy with the role that it played, government urged the union not to involve itself any more in chieftaincy related matters.
Looking at the accusations leveled by both factions of Ataba against Prince Uche Secondus, Chairman, Rivers PDP, Elder Monwan Owoh Etete, Executive Chairman of Andoni L.G.A. Engr. Telenyem Ikuru, Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Bar R.N. Godwins - Director of Public Prosecutions Rivers State, all who do not hail from Ataba community, government through the white paper dismissed all allegations brought against them.
For details of the contents of Government White Paper, the Telegraph is serializing it beginning from today. Please turn to our inside pages for more