ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State government has advised communities locked in protracted land and boundary disputes in the state not to resort to armed violence but rather seek resolution of such matters through the court of law or alternative dispute settlement mechanism.
Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo gave the advice on Tuesday at a meeting with community leaders from Ondewari and Korokorosei in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state in Government House, Yenagoa.
Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, on Wednesday, stressed the need for the people of both communities to maintain the peace and abide by existing court judgements over disputed land in the area.
He pointed out that the era of rule by might or physical strength had since been taken over by that of rule of law and therefore, cautioned the people to be circumspect in all their dealings to avoid the wrath of the law.
He maintained that since judgement had been given over the land in dispute, any party that was not satisfied with the judgement should go for appeal and not seek self-help.
Throwing light on the position of government, Ewhrudjakpo said the present administration would not take it lightly with any community that took up arms against another in the state for any reason.
On the deployment of mobile policemen to Ondewari and Korokorosei, he explained that the security agencies were sent to forestall breakdown of law and order in the area, following the court judgement.
He urged the Commissioner of Police, Mr Benjamin Okolo, to ensure the continued operations of police personnel in the two communities until normalcy was fully restored.
Also speaking, the Member representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 4 in the state House of Assembly, Hon. MacDonald Igbadiwe, stressed that Ondewari and Korokorosei were brothers and had maintained friendly relationship over the years.
Igbadiwe, who thanked the present administration for its genuine concern to foster peace and development in the state, called on the two communities to embrace and live in peace as members of the Olodiama clan.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, Chief Kia Ebidoughebofa Nigeria, highlighted the dire consequences of violence, stressing that “there is no positive reward for unnecessary violence and bloodshed.”
The meeting was attended by the paramount rulers, Community Development Committee, CDC chairmen, youth and women leaders of the two communities.
In a related development, Ewhrudjakpo has spelt it out clearly that no individual or group would be allowed to dethrone any recognized traditional ruler without the approval of government.
Ewhrudjakpo stated this during a reconciliatory meeting with stakeholders of Anyama-Ebeni Community in Sagbama LGA, including the Deputy Leader of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Benard Kenebai, in Government House, Yenagoa.
Stressing the need for people not to take the laws into their hands, the Deputy Governor ordered a factional leader and CDC Chairman of the community to apologise to the Paramount Ruler of Anyama-Ebeni for manhandling and attempting to dethrone the Amananaowei.