…Decries Effects Of Crisis On Development.
To find lasting solution to the perennial Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja
Communal clashes, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has
set up a high powered Panel of Inquiry with Professor Abednego Ekoko as
Chairman.
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].
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 continued 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 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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