By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Peace Architecture (SPA) has intensified efforts to institutionalise peacebuilding structures in the state, following a strategic advocacy visit to the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah.
During the meeting, Justice Ayah identified five key areas of collaboration with the SPA aimed at preventing conflicts and strengthening justice delivery across Bayelsa. He highlighted peace education, sustainable development initiatives, legal awareness, access to justice, and community engagement as critical pillars for addressing the root causes of disputes and fostering lasting peace.
The jurist commended the SPA delegation for its proactive role in conflict prevention, noting that many disputes brought before the courts had already benefited from pre-litigation resolutions facilitated through SPA channels. He emphasised the importance of strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, particularly at the community level.
“We must speak strongly about access to justice, community engagement, peace education by catching them young, legal awareness, and reinvigorate how we confront conflicts in our local areas,” Justice Ayah said.
The seven-member SPA advocacy team was led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, SP Francis Opuomoni, who said the visit was part of ongoing consultations to build support for the proposed Community Peace Commission bill before the Bayelsa State Government.
Speaking on behalf of the SPA Chairman, Hon. Alfred Watson Belemote, Opuomoni explained that the proposed legislation seeks to formally integrate peace architecture structures into the state’s justice system. According to him, the bill would enhance coordination through a bottom-up approach and strengthen community-based dispute resolution mechanisms.
“This bill is not just about legislation—it is about giving legitimacy and structure to the work already being done by community peace actors and the SPA across the state,” he said.
The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to deepen collaboration through continued technical engagements. A joint working group is expected to be established to develop implementation strategies once the proposed bill is passed into law.
The visit marks the second engagement between the SPA and the Customary Court of Appeal within six months, underscoring a growing partnership aimed at promoting peace, security, and accessible justice in Bayelsa State.
