THE PRESIDENT DOKO PROGRESSIVE FORUM (DPF) CALLS FOR CALM.

THE PRESIDENT DOKO PROGRESSIVE FORUM (DPF) CALLS FOR CALM.

1. Indeed, “Blessed are the peace makers” as agreed by all and enshrined in the Holy Scriptures, but why are some (evil doers) continuously and shamelessly going against the peace makers without fear of Almighty God?

2. Whatever the response may be, DPF shall still go by the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and continue to support all progressive peace efforts that will bring everlasting peace in Doko community despite all derogatory efforts from a segment.

3. DPF and individuals have made efforts in many ways to mediate in Doko crisis both spiritually, physically, socially, economically, culturally and otherwise, but some of the entangled and aggrieved have refused to resolve their contending issues through dialogue, which could have been the best alternative in resolving the conflicts. Having sponsored and participated in many Doko Peace Mediation efforts and Campaign, DPF can not assume the powers of the Almighty God and the authorities to forcefully freeze or stop all destructive acts by the intolerant minds of both aggrieved parties.

4. DPF as a registered and higly respected body respects the rights of all in the community and will maintain her stand that “DOKO IS GREATER THAN AN INDIVIDUAL IRRESPECTIVE OF HIS/HER STATUS”. Therefore, the overall interest of Doko shall be considered first before that of an individual.

5.  It is worth reminding that DPF is not and will never be a party to any conflicts as perceived by few who have wanted the Forum to take side and be dictatorian. DPF as an organisation having her members across different political, religious and  social class within Doko  is neither military nor paramilitary organisation to enforce orders on anybody.

6. Sadly to state here that, this unreasonable crisis has affected the DPF ongoing artisans / skill acquisition  programmes for our teeming youths in order to make them to be self reliant. Arrangements were made for trades such as Tailoring, Block laying, capentary /  cabinet making, Rice processing and packaging, poultry farming /feeds making, screeding and paint work, POP installation, Tile laying, plumb work , eletrical wiring to mention few.

7. However, the above challenges does not dwarf DPF earlier resolutions that:

a. No land mass in our community is worth the life of one innocent person.

b. The aggrieved parties should align their thoughts with the Holy Books on worldly acquisitions and its attendant consequences on the Day of Judgement.

c. Our leaders should abide by the teaches of the Holy books on the principle of “love your brothers as you love yourselves.” “Do unto others as you want them to do unto you.”

d. Those sponsoring/aiding innocent youths into conflicts should desist from the ugly acts.

e. Ensure PERPETRATORS OF EVILS IN THE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE PROSECUTED ACCORDINGLY BY RELEVANT AUTHORITIES IN ORDER TO SERVE AS DETERRENT TO OTHERS.

f. The DPF will not be tired of soliciting for assistance from all tiers of government and stakeholders in order to achieve the lasting peace Doko so much desire.

g.  The Chairman Lavun Local  Govt  is requested to urgently interphase with the State Govt in conjunction with relevant stakeholders on ways to find a lasting solution to this conflicts where peace shall reign supreme in our community.

h. Our Hon Chairman should also note that our request should please be taken with all urgency it deserves as the rain for this farming season has started and tension is already building up despite our call for calms by all parties.

8. Our able brothers and sisters and other stakeholders should not be deterred by any misguided tendecies towards our resolve for peace while also, enjoying all parties in the conflict to be calmed and embrace peace in order to allow relevant authorities to act appropriately.

9. May the Almighty God continue to be with us, heal the wounded, provide succour for those who have lost their properties, assist the relevant authorities in the prosecution of the perpetrators that will facilitate peace in our dear community.

10.  I have the honour to be

your sincere, faithful and concern citizen.

Signed:-

Col JM Liman Rtd (Ubandawaki Doko)

President Doko Progressive Forum DPF.

30th April 2023.