DEPUTY Governor of Delta State Urges Ebu and Ukala-Okute Communities to Halt Permanent Structures in Disputed Land
ASABA/Nigeria: In a stern warning, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, has cautioned the communities of Ebu and Ukala-Okute against erecting permanent structures on disputed land.
This warning came during a meeting held on Thursday in Asaba, where the Delta State Boundary Committee, chaired by Onyeme, engaged with community leaders from Ebu and Ukala-Okute.
Addressing the gathered leaders and community representatives, Deputy Governor Onyeme emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order in the region. He stated, “Those who are developing landed properties in the area in dispute should suspend action until the issues at stake are resolved by the state government.”
Onyeme went on to underscore the significance of unity among the Delta State populace, saying, “It is a positive development that we are all Deltans, brought together by God as members of one family. This meeting was called because we desire peace; we know the value of peace and, as such, we want to live peacefully among ourselves and want to enjoy living together like our forefathers lived before us.”
Furthermore, the deputy governor highlighted the shared desire for peaceful coexistence and assured the communities that the state government would take swift action to address the issue. He emphasized, “The status quo should remain; all sides should keep the peace, and I assure you that the government will reactivate every machinery to ensure that this issue is addressed urgently and come out with something good for both communities.”
During the meeting, the leaders of Ukala-Okwute Community, Rev. Samuel Igbwuike, and Ebu Community, Chief Kimashinor Nwakalo, separately expressed their commitment to maintaining peace while awaiting a resolution to the land dispute.
Several key government officials were also in attendance, including the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Chief Emamusi Obiodeh; the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government, Hon. Innocent Esenwezie; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Sir Christopher Osakwe; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Survey, Mrs Gladys Puegeren.
As the dispute continues, the communities of Ebu and Ukala-Okute remain under the watchful eye of the Delta State government, with an emphasis on maintaining peace and ensuring that a fair and equitable resolution is achieved.
