…Decries
effect of crisis on development
Worried by the perennial
Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja Communal clashes, Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa Wednesday
[25-05-16] set up a high powered Panel of Inquiry with Professor Abednego Ekoko
as Chairman with a charge that lasting solution must be found to communal
clashes.
Other members are Mr.
F.O. Osiawa, Surveyor General, Mr. J.N Ogabu, Asst. Surveyor-General, Barrister
Ernest Edomwonyi, Legal Counsel/ Secretary, Chief Engr. Paulson Okobiebi and
Elder Stephenson Lerhovwre [Aladja Community Representatives] and Hon. Denbofa
Oweikpodor, Mr. Franklyn Igangan [ Ogbe-Ijaw Community
Representatives].
Okowa with Prof. Ekoko, panel chairman. |
Senator Okowa while
inaugurating the Panel of Inquiry at Government House, Asaba, decried the
effect of boundary crisis not only on peace and security of the communities and
the state but also on development, investments and the state's economy.
“This administration is
always committed to the pursuit of peace and security in all communities,
boundary crisis has continue to create hate among ourselves and
our youths who are now trained to see each other as enemies, we need
to do the right thing which is to settle for peace, so as to allow development
to take place”, he said.
“Boundary crisis is
inimical to orderly development and also creates image problems for the State.
Such acts contribute to frustration and disenchantment experienced by members
of the society. Economically, it can scare away potential investors and the
relocation of existing industries in our communities to other States, thereby
creating avoidable economic challenges for our State.”, he added.
The Prof. Ekoko panel members |
The governor reiterated his
administration’s commitment to ensuring peace and security in all communities
in the state and urged them “to explore all available means of dialogue to
settle their differences.”
Governor Okowa who charged
the Panel of Inquiry to handle their responsibility with fairness, due
diligence, transparency and impartiality reminded them that “ we have had two
Panels of Inquiry in the past, the Justice Azinge’s Judiciary Commission
in 1996 and Justice Frank Nwolu’s Panel Of Inquiry in 2009,
both proffered solutions but unfortunately the crisis continued over time”
He listed the Panel’s Terms
of Reference as to define, demarcate and survey the boundary between Udu and
Warri South West local government areas; survey and demarcate the extent of the
land in dispute between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijaw communities; and recommend actions
to be taken by Delta State Government to finally resolve the Aladja and
Ogbe-Ijaw crisis and sustain mutual inter-communal relations.
Responding on behalf of the
Panel, the Chairman, Prof. Ekoko assured Governor Okowa that they would carry
out their assignment diligently and proffer lasting solutions to the boundary
dispute.
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