Delta Seeks Speedy Resolution Of Interstate Boundary Disputes

The deputy governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, has appealed for a quick resolution of disputes on boundaries with neighbouring states.

He made the appeal yesterday in Asaba during a visit by officials of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) led by its director-general, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, saying it would end a series of lingering challenges.

He urged the NBC to urgently resolve the dispute between Delta and, particularly, the Delta/Edo and Delta/Ondo interstate boundaries.

“It is the desire of Delta State government that the NBC fast-tracks amicable resolutions of boundary disputes. It is pertinent to also accord equal attention to other interstate boundaries involving Delta/Ondo, and other similar boundaries, with a view to ensuring that all five interstate boundaries involving Delta State are resolved amicably in the shortest possible time,” he said.

He commended the commission for the different activities carried out over the years on various interstate boundaries involving Delta State, despite the stalemate experienced in actual delineation.

“On our part, the Delta State Boundary Committee has made several efforts to appeal to our communities to live in peace and harmony with their neighbours, to enhance the spirit of peaceful co-existence at the interstate level, which is in line with the MORE Agenda of His Excellency, the governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration.

“There cannot be sustainable development in the absence of peace and security. Hence, the Government of Delta State has confidence in the ability of the National Boundary Commission, as empowered by law, to do justice to the various interstate boundaries involving the state, for the betterment of its citizens.

“It is the expectation of government and the good people of Delta State that after this visit, the Commission will tackle and surmount every stalemate in respect of the contentious interstate boundary issues,” he said.

Surveyor Adaji had said that the meeting was to “provide an avenue to meet with the State Boundary Committee to discuss the planned works on the Delta/Edo Interstate Boundary for better synergy.

“Delta State shares a common interstate boundary with Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo and Rivers State, and I am pleased to inform Your Excellency that the dispute resolution and boundary definition process with respect to each of the interstate boundaries with other states has received the attention of the commission,” Adaji said.

Some of those who attended the meeting included the commissioner for Lands and Survey, Chief Emamusi Obiodeh, the commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Delta State, Mr Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, among others.