2019: Bayelsa youths urged to shun violence, accept peace

The first military Governor of old Rivers state, and Chairman of Bayelsa state Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff and wife, HRM Queen Josephine Diete-Spiff have called on youths of the state and Twon Brass community in particular, to shun violence and crime. The duo gave the call at the weekend during the rededication of the Kingdom to God for peace and calmness to return to the land, proclaiming every last Sunday of November as annual Thanksgiving Day for the citizens of the Kingdom. It was learnt that Twon-Brass kingdom has recently witnessed major political crisis caused by youths who were alleged to be members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which claimed many lives leaving the peace loving people of the kingdom in fear especially as the 2019 general election is fast approaching. But the Queen, Her Royal Majesty Josephine Diete-Spiff said that her vision to covenant and rededicate the kingdom back to God has restored lasting peace to the kingdom, adding that with the cooperation of the king, pastors, elders, youths and the people, God has accepted their prayers and cleans the land. “It was indeed an amazing ceremony and God did accept our prayers as calm has since returned to our Kingdom. To God be all the Glory and Praise as we give Him thanks for His great mercies to us as a people, a race and a Kingdom. “A few days after the event, the rival party stewards had meeting with the opposition party members and spoke about building peace in the kingdom”, She said. The highlights of the occasion witnessed 20 persons (10 each) from both rival youth groups causing the problems in the land in attendance. According to the Coordinator, Twon Brass Ministers Forum, Pst. Ken Anjola, the peace and development initiative members presented a white colored T-Shirts and a copy of Bible to them, while the Twon Brass Ministers Forum led them to the exchange of vows to shun violence and pray for each other. He said, “They accepted the Bible and embraced each other, shaking of hands and vowing never to fight each other again. Prayers were offered for them. “At the end everyone went out for a peace walk for more than 3 hours showing the town that peace has come to stay in Twon Brass Kingdom.” However, King Diete-Spiff also confirmed and recognized the Sustainable Peace and Development Committee of Twon-Brass Kingdom headed by Mr. Erempagamo Eke-Spiff after a meeting with some of the party stewards and the Peace Corp members. The programme also offered supplications for deliverance, peace and God’s blessings to rain in the land with a dedication service on December 22, 2018 which saw the King, HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff repenting for himself and on behalf of his people as he ask for God’s forgiveness for the land. The meeting was attended along with the members of the Peace and Development Initiative, Twon Brass Ministers Forum, former Brass Local Government Area Chairman Hon. Nathaniel Ngo Silver, Oscar 1 and 2, the Area commander and other Security Personnel, Chiefs, Elders, Women and Youths of Twon Brass Kingdom. Akam James, Yenagoa