Communal Tension: Eleme Groups Urge Rivers Govt To Demarcate Eleme-Okrika Boundary

Two groups, the Eleme PhD Forum (EPF) and the Eleme Graduates Forum (EGF), have called on the Rivers State government to urgently demarcate the boundary between Eleme and Okrika local government areas of the state.

The call followed renewed tension between communities in the two LGAs, leading to the arrest of some political appointees in Eleme LGA.

Recall that there were heavy gunshots between at the boundary linking the two LGAs about two weeks ago, following allegations and counter-allegations of land-grabbing.

EPF and EGF, in a joint statement issued at Alesa-Eleme Community, stated that permanent boundary demarcation between the two LGAs remains the most sustainable pathway to enduring peace and harmonious coexistence.

The joint statement, which was signed by the EPF, Dr. Joseph Obele and EGF President, Engr. Eric Chujor, stated that based on the white paper on the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Eleme–Okrika Crisis, constituted by the state government and the subsisting Supreme Court judgment, the Eleme people maintain that the areas extending into Okrika communities belong to them.

It reads in part, “On behalf of the peace-loving people of Eleme, we respectfully call on the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to urgently facilitate a lasting resolution of boundary-related issues between Eleme and neighbouring communities through the implementation of boundary demarcation in accordance with the recommendations contained in the relevant White Paper.

“We believe this remains the most sustainable pathway to enduring peace and harmonious coexistence.

“The report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Eleme–Okrika Crisis, constituted by the Rivers State Government under the administration of former Governor Dr. Peter Odili and chaired by Hon. Justice Charles Granville (Rtd.), together with the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Suit No. FSC 123/1958, affirms the boundary rights of the Eleme people.

“Based on the Rivers State government’s White Paper on the Commission’s Report and the subsisting Supreme Court judgment, the Eleme people maintain that the areas extending to the Okrika waterfront, including Abam community, Okochiri community, the PPMC Jetty, OGS Secondary School, Okrika Motor Park, and Okrika General Hospital, fall within Eleme land and territory.

“Accordingly, we reaffirm our commitment to pursuing the recovery and protection of these areas through lawful and constitutional means as soon as possible.”