Professor Abednego Ekoko led Aladja/Ogbe-Ijoh crisis committee has submitted its reports to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at government house Asaba.
Receiving the reports Wednesday, from the committee set up to resolve the land dispute between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities, Governor Okowa appealed to the people to continue to preach peaceful co-existence in the area, threatening that government will not shy away from taking decisions that may not be palatable.
The governor warned strictly that in the interim, both communities should stay clear of the disputed land as security agencies will remain in the disputed area pending when all issues are resolved as a way of preventing further break down of law and order.
“I have always said that in any dispute, there must be give and take for the best resolution to be achieved and I want to thank you (members of the committee) for the reports as presented, we will study them and take right decisions for a lasting solution to be proffered on the crisis.
“Government will not shy away from taking decisions that may not be palatable if the need arise,” the governor said, emphasising, “it is our duty to preach peace, we must be careful about the type of communities we leave for our children because, any father or mother who wants to leave a crisis-ridden community is not worthy to be one.” the governor stated.
Governor Okowa however commended the committee for a job well done, saying that the state executive council took a decision for the committee to be set up, assuring that the report would be studied and the best actions in the interest of the people would be taken.
The governor used the occasion to urge both communities to maintain the existing peace, even as he decried the murder of some persons in the area as a result of the crisis and disclosed that the murder cases would continue in the courts of law and assured that the law would take its course in granting bails to arrested community leaders.
Governor Okowa had on May 25, 2016 inaugurated the committee with Professor Abednego Ekoko as Chairman, Mr. F.O. Osiawa, Surveyor General, Mr. J.N Ogabu, Asst. Surveyor-General, as members and Mr. Ernest Edomwonyi, Legal Counsel served as Secretary, while Mr. Paulson Okobiebi and Elder Stephenson Lerhovwre were (Aladja Community Representatives) and Mr. Denbofa Oweikpodor, Mr. Franklyn Igangan were (Ogbe-Ijaw Community Representatives).
Prof. Ekoko on behalf of members of the committee thanked the Delta State government for deeming them fit to serve the state in that capacity, stating that the committee carried out a detailed assignment with the interests of the communities involved at heart
It was alleged before now that governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his deputy, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro who is an Ijaw man by tribe were already taking sides with the people of Ogbe-Ijoh against the Aladja people who are of the Urhobo extraction.
