The Rivers State Government says its priority is to make sure there is peace in every nook and cranny of the State.
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu stated this during the inauguration of the third Rivers State Boundary Committee at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
Prof. Odu said our priority is to negotiate and talk with people, to make them realize that we should think and accommodate one another to resolve boundary disputes, noting that going to Court on boundary issues would be its last resort.
“As a Committee we should seek and search areas that we can look to listen to people and make sure that problems they have are amicably resolved and we are also expected to make recommendations to the Governor” Prof Odu quipped.
The Deputy Governor implored members to conduct themselves in a fair just and transparent manner in the discharge of their duties, in order to give the Commission, the good image that it deserves.
The Deputy Governor expressed gratitude to the State Chief Executive for the release of operational vehicles to facilitate the smooth operations of the Commission.
Functions of the committee include liaising with the zonal Liaison Office of the Commission in the State and Federal Capital Territory, identifying and intervening in areas of potential disputes in the State, liaising with the State Boundary Committees of neighboring States with a view of taking joint measures that promotes good inter-community relationships
The Committee is also saddled with the responsibility of carrying out awareness and enlightenment campaigns among the people in the State on the essence of boundaries to foster peace and harmony among the people living along boundary lines amongst others.
Responding on behalf of the Committee members, the Chairman Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council and the Paramount Ruler of Apara is Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, said it is a thing of joy to gather and talk about boundary issues in the State, noting that it is very important to have the privilege to be part of Committee.
He emphasized the importance of having a Committee like this particularly as it concerns boundaries because Rivers State has multiple ethic nationalities and boundaries and thanked Governor Fubara for giving the opportunity to serve. Members of the Committee includes the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu Chairman, Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner for Finance, Commissioner for Information, Commissioner for Chieftaincy & Community Affairs, Commissioner for Lands & Survey, Commissioner of Police, Rivers State command, Director DSS, Rivers State, Surveyor- General R/S, Comptroller Immigration, R/S, one Representative from each of the Senatorial District, Chairman of a Local Government Area(who may be co-opted when matters affecting their LGA may arise), Secretary of the Boundary Commission.
