By: Kpazoo Morrison
Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr. Thomas Bariere has inaugurated the Sii Peace, Unity and Reconciliation Panel as part of efforts to bring lasting peace and resolve the protracted chieftaincy dispute in the community.
The dispute said to have lingered for over 16 years and remained the subject of litigation, has continued to affect peace, unity, and development in the community.
In a decisive move aimed at fostering reconciliation, the Chairman constituted a 12-member panel and gave it a three-month mandate to engage stakeholders and recommend lasting solutions.
The panel is chaired by Chief Kenneth Johnson Lenu, Adviser on Chieftaincy and Community Affairs to the Chairman, while members include HRH, Mene Frank Nule Nam, Chief Aeebanu Charles Titor Wite, HRH, Mene Barikpoa Godwin Apere; Mene Akpobari Benson Nwiyor, Hon. ThankGod Baridam; Mr. Lekia Leelee; and Mene Baleera Lah-Monday Noryaa IV. Barr. Moses ThankGod is to serve as Secretary, while Pastor Barieenee Teteh, Pastor S. D. Williamson, and Martins Pueba were co-opted as members.
According to the Terms of Reference, the panel is expected to mediate between parties involved in the dispute, receive and review complaints and relevant documents, engage elders, traditional rulers, youth and women groups, and recommend measures for the amicable settlement of all issues connected to the matter.
The panel is also mandated to promote peace and harmonious coexistence, monitor compliance with resolutions reached by stakeholders, advise the Council on conflict prevention measures, liaise with relevant authorities including security agencies and the courts where necessary, and submit periodic as well as final reports to the chairman.
The council chairman expressed confidence in the ability of the panel to deliver on its assignment and urged all parties to cooperate fully in the interest of peace, unity, and sustainable development in Sii Community.
