By Philip Jeremiah Eke
The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Mobility Command, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Michael Nnanye Onyebashi, has thrown his weight behind the proposed Bayelsa State Community Peace Commission, describing sustained peace and security as critical to all-round development in the state.
AVM Onyebashi made the remark when he received members of the Bayelsa State Peace Architecture (SPA) at the Command headquarters in Yenagoa.
The AOC, who warmly welcomed the delegation, said the Mobility Command, in line with the policy direction of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure sustainable peace and holistic development within its area of responsibility.
“The Mobility Command is a Federal Government initiative charged with the responsibility of operating all airlift assets in its operational area. This assignment is people-centred, aimed at protecting lives, property, and Nigeria’s airspace. When passed into law, the Bayelsa State Community Peace Commission Bill will strengthen the Early Warning and Early Response mechanism, thereby deepening security in the state,” AVM Onyebashi stated.
Earlier, Dr. Inebaraton Preye, Secretary of the Bayelsa State Peace Architecture, who spoke on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Alfred Watson Belemote, explained that the courtesy visit was to express gratitude to security agencies and military formations across the state for their unwavering support over the past 26 months.
He noted that the European Union-funded project, implemented by Search for Common Ground and its partners under the theme “Community-Centred Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta,” has been a game-changer. The initiative has successfully brought all peace actors under one roof, providing clear direction for strengthening sustainable peace and helping position Bayelsa among the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
Dr. Preye, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, used the opportunity to advocate for a non-kinetic approach to peacebuilding and conflict prevention. He emphasised the need for a community-centred, bottom-up strategy, effective coordination of peace activities, and proper mapping of peace initiatives.
He lamented that while substantial funds are allocated to education, health, infrastructure, financial management, transport, and even insecurity, peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts are often underfunded and overlooked, despite peace being the foundation for meaningful development.
The peace advocate further solicited support for the Bayelsa State Peace Architecture’s collaboration with stakeholders, including the state government, to institutionalise peace processes through the establishment of the Bayelsa State Community Peace Commission. He said the commission would drive more development and foster sustainable community peace pacts across the state.
“We commend the efforts of the state security team in positioning Bayelsa as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. We join our voices to urge that when the Bayelsa State Community Peace Commission Bill is presented, all stakeholders should say a loud ‘YES’. It will serve as a one-stop shop for sustainable peace and community development, ultimately simplifying security challenges,” Dr. Preye added.
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Members of the visiting team included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, SP Francis Opuomoni (rtd); Pastor Nyanami Apere of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Community Development; President of Rescue Mission International, Princess Elizabeth Egbe; Vice Chairman, Bayelsa NAWOJ, Mrs. Blessing Agadaga-Oti; Sir Claude Ujilie, Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Bureau in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government; and several other critical stakeholders in peace and conflict prevention.
The visit underscores growing support from security agencies and stakeholders for the institutionalisation of community-driven peace architecture in Bayelsa State.
