Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah has inuagurated Enugu state Boundary Committee with a charge on the members to resolve boundary disputes ,with high levels of prudence, fairness and justice .
He gave the charge, Tuesday during the inauguration of the 15-man Committee at Government house,Enugu.
The Governor said the committee is responsible for resolving intra state and community disputes, as well maintaining peace and tranquility among the various communities.
He called on the committee to ensure that their activities are anchored on impartiality, The Governor said” boundaries are just geographical lines “and the committee should let people understand that “it does not mean that the person next to you is an enemy.”
He explained that the highest level of objectivity from the members would help them dispense their duties in justice and fairness, adding that awareness about the meaning of boundary and what it represents should be created to avoid friction with communities.
“This is a job that we must take seriously because our decision in resolving both intra and interstate disputes is extremely important. It is it important to create awareness that boundary is a mere geographical expression that should not lead to enmity”, he stated.
He also urged the committee to follow the provisions of the law in discharging their assignments, help warring parties settle their disputes and resort to alternative dispute resolution instead of litigation where possible,
“Where litigation is avoidable, please do that. You must also bear in mind that we are all from Enugu State, and your objective must be how to reconcile communities,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Governor of the State, . Ifeanyi Ossai, promised that they would discharge their duties in line with the provisions of the law by ensuring justice is served.
Noting that boundary disputes among communities have remained a major challenge, Barr Ossai assured that they would be flexible in addressing issues by adopting a human approach method.
He described the task as huge. He assured that the committee will not disappoint Ndi Enugu.
He promised to deliver on their mandate judiciously in line with the state boundary acts.
Members of the committee are the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai -Chairman, Dr Solomon Ejim- secretary, Attorney General and commissioner for justice, Dr Kingsley Udeh, Commissioner for Information, Aka Eze Aka, Commissioner for Local Government, rural development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, Commisioner for finance, Dr.iNathaniel Uramah.
Others are the Enugu state police commissioner, CP Anayo Uzuegbu, traditiona the state acting Surveyor General, Surv Justice Chime, Comptroller of Immigration Enugu, among others
Author: Maureen Ikpeama