Rivers Government to Establish Peace, Conflict Prevention Committee in LGAs
Omiete Blessing
Rivers State Government has concluded plans to establish Community Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Committee (CCPPC), in all the 23 local government areas of the state.
The Deputy Governor of the State, Prof. Ngozi Odu, disclosed this yesterday, in Port Harcourt at a public enlightenment on Rivers State Boundary Commission (RSBC).
It was observed that the theme of the event was “The Essence of Peace Building; the Role of the Rivers State Boundary Commission in the Peaceful Resolution of Boundary Disputes in the state”.
Speaking during the programme, the deputy governor noted that the state needs peace onward, adding that the move would provide an avenue for prompt response to conflicts that may arise in any part of the state as regard boundary issues.
Odu, who is the Chairman of RSBC, stated that boundary issue between communities, local government areas have been a source most crises in the state, adding that the government is taking proactive step to nip it on the bud.
She noted that peace stands as a cornerstone of progress, development and prosperity in any society, adding that the CCPPC would be a vital force that would propels harmonious co-exist in communities.
She commended the efforts of RSBC in addressing and resolving the contentious issues of boundary through dialogues, mediation, noting that the commission plays critical role as regards the rule of law, promoting understanding between conflict parties and paves the way for sustainable peace in the state.
The Deputy governor said: “The boundary that delineates our territories are not mere line on a map, they represent share histories, identities and the aspiration of the communities they encompass. When disputes arise over these boundaries, they not only threaten the peaceful co-existence of our people but also jeopardise the social fabric that binds us together.”
“In the spirit of the extant relevant laws on Boundary disputes, it is my vision that the present government of Rivers State under the distinguished leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara,, will embrace Community Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Committee, CCPPC, in all the 23 local government areas of Rivers State to ensure conflict prevention and introduce mechanism for quick resolution of conflict among communities.”
However, the Chairman of the Event, His Royal Majesty, King Dandeson Douglas -Jaja, noted that the current administration in the state has not contradicted its stand for and development in the state.
Jaja, who was represented by the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Bob-Manuel, noted that the RSCB is empowered to the National Boundary Commission to carry out awareness and enlightenment campaigns among the people in the state on the essence of boundaries in order to foster peace and harmony among the people.
He noted that it would be proper for the government to train members of RSBC on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to enable the staff members to oversee issues of conflict resolution and peace management affecting the LGAs.
Meantime, the Secretary of RSBC, Mr Lucky Ikina, in his welcome address noted that the conference was timely and unique, noting that the state needs peace.
