For many familiar reasons, peace means different things to different people hence the need to promote peace
Depending on the intervening circumstances, peace could denote a physical condition or time without conflict, the threat of violence, or a state of harmony or calm.
Importantly, it can be a mental condition or emotional disposition where one is truly in tune with self, conscious and confident of who he is and what he is capable of, such that he does not dissipate time or energy on things that are petty or worthless.
From whatever standpoint, peace is essential for meaningful economic growth and the development of every society. And, for Akwa Ibom State, it is also almost existential for the harmonious coexistence and social cohesion within the diverse socio-ethnic components of the state.
There is therefore the need for Akwa Ibom people to wholeheartedly embrace the Maintain Peace Movement, MPM, officially unveiled by the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, on Friday, November 19, 2021.
The epochal event at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, should be seen as the necessary, credible and dependable platform that will drive the inspiring goals of positive transformation and sustainable development of the Completion Agenda of the present administration in the overall interest of the generality of Akwa Ibom people.
It can be stated that the Governor’s vision in the Maintain Peace Movement is a strategic mission to engender a culture that respects and enhances the freedom of all Akwa Ibom people; builds capacities to contribute the best that we have and commit all that we are to harness and maximize the gains of our emerging industrialized society in an atmosphere of peace.
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Also, it is a commitment to bequeath an all-around sustainable economic environment that cares, supports, and empowers everyone to excel and be the best they can be.
Therefore, the best way to appreciate the very essence of peace in this mission is to evaluate the price of conflicts.
For, as noted by a Roman historian, Gaius Sallustius Crispus, “Peace makes things, even small things, grow quick; lack of it makes great things decay fast.”
There is no denying the fact that the massive landmark achievements recorded by the Udom Emmanuel’s administration in the industrial, aviation, maritime, education, health, agriculture, science, and technology sectors are engendered by the visionary and peaceful leadership disposition of the state’s chief executive.
Therefore, there is the need for the Akwa Ibom people to sustain the prevailing peaceful atmosphere and support the Completion Agenda of the Governor for meaningful economic growth and a prosperous future for the state.
No society can ever hold its head high if it is enmeshed in needless conflicts and disharmony. Like the Scripture admonishes in 1Peter 3:10-11, “he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him eschew evil…seek peace, and ensure it.”
Akwa Ibom people must therefore avoid all forms of pettiness, the baseless campaign of calumny, uncomplimentary remarks, and disparaging comments fashioned to undermine or tear down the enormous gains recorded by this administration.
Nevertheless, where there are genuine complaints and constructive criticisms, a peaceful approach that is devoid of clear intention to undermine leadership is always a welcome idea.
The Grand Patron of the Maintain Peace Movement, Governor Udom Emmanuel, the National officers, led by Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, State and Local Government Chapter Officers, as well as all members of the Movement, deserve special commendation for yielding themselves to the all-important and patriotic assignment that was successfully unveiled, alongside the inauguration of the national executive committee.
For Akwa Ibom State to achieve the laudable development vision of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Completion Agenda, peace remains the only battle worth waging.
And, the most powerful weapon every Akwa Ibom person should be at this time of our statehood is being an instrument of peace wherever he or she may be.
