WE WILL FOSTER PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

The Rivers State Boundary Commission says it is committed to use it’s authority to foster peace and development in all Communities in the State

The State Deputy Governor, and Chairman Rivers State Boundary Commission, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo disclosed this while inaugurating the Technical Committee on Ifoko and Tema Community Boundary disputes in Asari Toru’ Local Government Area, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday 10^th May, 2018.

Dr. Banigo said:

“as a people we cannot develop, mix up and take our rightful position in the comity of states and nations if we allow such disputes to have its way in our communities”.

According to the Deputy Governor;

“following a report written to us on boundary issues, a stake holder’s meeting between Ifoko and Tema Communities in Asari Toru’ Local Government Area was held on the 13^th of February, 2018. Where both parties were asked to sign a peace accord, to enable the Boundary Commission tackle the matter”.

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo presenting a document to the Chairman, Technical Committee on Ifoko – Tema boundary dispute, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim during the Inauguration of the Committee in Government House, Port Harcourt on 10^th May 2018.

She however regretted that one faction refused to sign initially, which led to hostilities during the Easter period, noting that it was the quick intervention of Governor Wike, who deployed security agencies into the area that prevented the violence from escalating.

Dr. Banigo advised members of the technical committee to adhere strictly to the terms of reference in order to ensure that the matter is settled amicably.

In his remarks the Chairman of the Committee Mr. Paulinus Nsirim thanked the State Government for the confidence reposed in the Technical Committee, stressing that he and his members will look at all issues dispassionately to bring about a fair, objective and balanced report that will ultimately lead to peace in the area.

Members of the Technical Committee are:

1. Pst. Paulinus Nsirim Chairman

2. Patrick Enebeli (Rep. HAG) Member

3. Sir. Precious Saiah (Rep. S.G) Member

4. Jared S. Okechukwu (Rep. Asalga) Member

5. DPO Asalga Member

6. DSS Asalga Member

7. Benson Eze Benjamin Member

8. Charles Nweneka Secretary

9. Chief Fubara T. Akoko (Ifoko) Member

10. Chief Fubara Gillis Kala-Suku (Ifoko) Member

11. Chief Tamunopiriye Tamunoyeb (Ifoko) Member

12. Barr. Karibo Douglas (Ifoko) Member

13. Surv. Anitor Cletus Cooke (Ifoko) Member

14. Chief M.G. Amasa (Tema) Member

15. Chief Kenneth Amatoru (Tema) Member

16. Chief Innocent Warmate (Tema) Member

17. Faye Dikio, Esq, SAN Member

18. Surv. Somiete P. Princewill (Tema) Member

TERMS OF REFERENCE:

1. To hear and receive presentations from parties, which includes

Court Judgments, Survey Plans/Maps, and any other relevant documents/instruments that will assist in the resolution of the dispute.

2. To advise generally on the boundary between Ifoko and Tema Communities in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

3. To determine/trace the boundary line between Ifoko and Tema Communities in Asari-Toru Local Government Area in line with necessary valid documents/instruments as may be presented before the Technical Committee.

4. To recommend for demarcation boundary between Ifoko and Tema in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, to enable the office of the Survey General to emplace concrete pillars and monuments.

5. To work within reasonable budgeting limit in line with the present economic realities in the country.

6. To submit report within three months to the Rivers State Boundary Commission.

More pictures below