DELTA: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff
Oborevwori, has raised concerns about the negative impact of boundary disputes
on Nigeria’s peace, security, and development. Speaking at a one-day workshop
in Asaba on Wednesday, Oborevwori emphasized the urgent need for solutions to
the persistent clashes among border communities.
"Boundary disputes have led to unnecessary loss
of life and property. This is an age-old issue that still undermines the
stability of communities," the governor said. He urged the National
Boundary Commission and other stakeholders to work collaboratively in resolving
these conflicts.
The workshop, themed “Towards Secure, Peaceful, and
Prosperous Borders,” brought together leaders from Nigeria's coastal states,
including Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers, as well as top government officials.
According to Oborevwori, Nigeria has struggled with
boundary disputes since the colonial era, and these conflicts have often
resulted in tragic consequences for citizens. "Virtually every state in
Nigeria has experienced these clashes. It’s a serious issue that can no longer
be ignored," he noted, referencing data that shows hundreds of lives lost
in boundary conflicts across the country from 2018 to 2022.
The governor highlighted land ownership as one of the
main drivers of these disputes. In Delta State, he explained, 80% of
boundary-related clashes stem from land use issues such as farming and mining.
These disputes often force individuals into displacement, leaving many in poor
conditions at internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. "The living
conditions in these camps are harsh and expose people to health risks. We need
solutions that prevent such suffering," he said.
Governor Oborevwori further challenged the National
Boundary Commission to intensify its efforts in resolving disputes and
educating communities on the importance of respecting boundaries. "The
Commission must be objective, neutral, and committed to its role. Without trust
in their impartiality, mediation efforts will fail," he advised.
Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, who also spoke at
the event, applauded the African Union’s Border Governance Strategy for
focusing on sustainable border management in Africa. Onyeme criticized the
colonial boundaries that disregard ethnic unity, calling for renewed strategies
to prevent border conflicts.
Deputy Governors of Bayelsa and Rivers, Senator
Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor and Professor Ngozi Odu, echoed these sentiments, urging
continuous dialogue among border communities. "Frequent discussions can
help ease tensions and build a foundation for lasting peace," Ewhrudjakpor
said.
Director-General of the National Boundary Commission,
Surveyor Adamu Adaji, emphasized that the workshop was intended to strengthen
collaboration among coastal states and local governments. He noted that
traditional leaders from the South West and South South regions were also
present, demonstrating a unified approach to addressing border disputes.
The workshop concluded with a call for the federal
government to support initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence among
border communities, signaling a renewed commitment from state and federal
agencies to tackle these long-standing issues.
Comments:
Leave a Reply