From TONY JOHN, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Government has said it plans to establish Community Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Committee (CCPPC), in all the 23 local government areas of the state.
The government said the state needs peace, 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.
Deputy Governor of the State, Prof. Ngozi Odu, made the disclosure in Port Harcourt at a public enlightenment programme on Rivers State Boundary Commission (RSBC), with theme, “The Essence of Peace Building; the Role of the Rivers State Boundary Commission in the Peaceful Resolution of Boundary Disputes in the state.’
Odu, who was the Convener and the Chairman of RSBC, stated that boundary issue between communities, local government areas have been a source of 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 bring harmonious co-exist in communities.
She commended the efforts of RSBC in addressing and resolving the contentious issues of boundary through dialogues, mediation.
Prof. Odu noted 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.
She 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.”
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 development in the state.
Jaja, who spoke through His Royal Majesty, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Bob-Manuel, noted that the RSCB is empowered by 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.
Also, Secretary of RSBC, Mr. Lucky Ikina, in his welcome address, noted that the conference was timely and unique, noting that the state needs peace.
Ikina said: “Rivers State is desirous of peace. This enlightenment will bring to light the targets of the Commission, which include carrying out campaigns to foster peace among communities. This commission is important because it defines and demarcates boundaries. Peace is better than war, as settlement is better than litigation.”