By Jasmine Okogeri
The Executive Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, Nwachi, Timothy A. U., on thursday received members of Timber Traders Association Afikpo, who paid him a courtesy visit in his Office.
Addressing the Timber Merchants, the Council Chairman expressed his profound appreciation to them for identifying with his administration and reaffirmed his commitment to run an all inclusive governance that will foster Peace, Unity and Progress in line with Gov Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs mantra.
The Executive Chairman expressed displeasure over the destruction of property at Afikpo Timber Shade by angry youths whose relative was electrocuted while offloading timbers and called on the people of the Area to desist completely from taking laws into their hands.
He sympathized with the bereaved family on the unfortunate incident that happened and pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased who went to fend for his daily bread only to meet his untimely death.
The Council Chairman thereafter, thanked the timber dealers for their mature disposition even in the midst of provocative attack and assured that his administration will resolve the matter amicably to sustain the atmosphere of peaceful co-existence in Afikpo LGA.
While noting that peace is becoming elusive in many quarters these days and that the collateral damage when it is completely lost in human relations always come with untold consequences, implored the people of the Area to live in peace and harmony with one another as no meaningful development can take place in an environment devoid of tranquility and stability.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Timber Traders Association, Afikpo , Chief Donatus Ezeogo Aja(Ph.D) disclosed that the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the Council Chairman, Nwachi, Timothy A. U., on his electoral victory and successful swearing-in, added that the visit was also to consolidate on the existing relationship between the Government and the Timber Dealers which will further explore other possible areas of collaboration for the progress of Afikpo Local Government Area.
He used the opportunity to furnish the Council Chairman on the unfortunate circumstances that led to the attack on Afikpo Timber Shade where their Conference Hall and individual shops were destroyed and appealed for Government intervention in resolving the matter and compensating victims while also soliciting for the installation of Transformer at the Timber Shade to boost electricity supply from the National grid.
Joining the Executive Chairman to receive the Timber Dealers included the Coordinator of Afikpo DC, Hon Raphael Okoronkwo; the Coordinator of Amoha DC, Hon Ken Orji Obasi; the Chief of Staff to the Council Chairman, Apostle Uduma Peter Agha and the Chairman,
Afikpo LGA Peace Committee, Bishop Ken O. Daniels