Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo has described peace as a necessary tool for Community Development.
Dr. Banigo Stated this during a reconciliatory meeting between Egwede Community and Ayama-Agana Community in Andoni Local Government Area at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Banigo who is the Chairman, of the Rivers State Boundary disclosed that Governor Nyesom Wike’s commitment to promote peace and development in all parts of the State is not negotiable, said it was important that the communities maintain peace at all times, saying that there would be no development in an atmosphere of suspicion, bitterness and rancour.
“Your being here is not accidental, you have to carefully understand why God has destined, that you should be here today and fulfil that purpose for which He has brought you out”. Dr. Banigo stressed.
According to the Deputy Governor, “the Committee looked at two major instruments the Court Judgement and the agreement signed by both parties on the 7th of February 1997, the demarcation team was to carry out the assignment based on these instruments but it appears that this could not be done that is why the Council Chairman brought it to the Boundary Commission”.
She appreciated what the Andoni Conflict Resolution Committee set up by the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Council has done with the representatives of both communities.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area Hon. Erasmus Charles Awortu said the issues and disputes that relates to land are very tortuous areas that leads to insecurity everywhere, noted that they were not taking the disputes between Egwede Community and Ayama-Agana Community very lightly because it has lingered and has threatened to spill over.
He said “the Deputy Governor has been very proactive in pursuing this matter, dedicating her time to see that this matter is resolved, if the Deputy Governor at her level is putting so much effort and she is not from Andoni, how much more for me, the Chairman, whose primary duty is maintaining peace and order within that area. We have made some progress and we are very happy for today’s meeting”.
Also speaking the Surveyor General of the State Chief Surveyor, Noel Elenwo said it is the responsibility of Government to protect lives and the property of its citizenry, stressing that when issues of Boundary disputes arise it is only a responsible Government that intervenes at the appropriate time, to nip skirmishes in the bud, which the State Boundary Commission, under the watch of the Deputy Governor has done.
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