IPCR Tasks Taraba Lawmakers to Raise Peaceful Agenda

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Taraba State’s lawmakers to focus on peaceful agenda and issues in their constituencies.

The Director General of the IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, made the call at the closing ceremony of the “Strategic Legislative Course on Negotiation and Mediation” with members of Taraba State House of Assembly. 

Ochogwu said that the course would help to equip lawmakers with skills, knowledge and capacities in leading Nigerians towards a more peaceful country.

He noted: “The legislative branch of government derives their power directly from the people and the leaders need the right skills, knowledge and capacity to further engage with the people.

“The strategic skills are what we provided for the lawmakers today.”

Ochogwu stated that violence has been prevalent in the country, noting that the ugly trend needed to be reversed, which must start from individuals and communities.

He said: “We hope that the partnership with the Taraba government and other organisations will continue so that we can change the narrative from issues around violence to peace alongside the renewed hope agenda of the current administration to continue to ensure that we dominate the space with the issues of peace.

“The issue of peace is not what one person or institution can do. We are looking towards a partnership with the Taraba State Government to make a difference.”

The director general, therefore, advised the 24 lawmakers to practice what they have been taught in their constituencies.

He emphasized that “we owe ourselves that responsibility to transform our society. It is not about the president or the governors. It is about what we do in our small spaces to make changes happen.

“Please, take home the training that you have gotten from here. Improve your constituencies with right legislation and discover a change in Taraba State.”

Speaking at the event, the Speaker, Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. John Bonzena, assured that a peace committee would be set up in the assembly to resolve issues.

Bonzena said: “No one needs to be told about the importance of undergoing such training particularly looking at the way the society is going. Maintaining peace in our society is very important.

“We will make our course practical when we go back to our state. We will have a peace committee in the state house of Assembly and they will be given a free mandate of making peace where necessary.”