Illegal Boundary Adjustment: CDHR Lauds Delta Govt Over Swift Intervention

The Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) has expressed gratitude to the Delta State Governor, RT. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme for their swift intervention in the alleged illegal boundary adjustment between Issele-Azagba and Okpanam Communities in Delta North Senatorial District.

The CDHR expressed the gratitude in a statement signed by Dr. Kehinde Taiga, National President of the human rights body and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Warri.

Dr. Taiga said that the Chairmen of Oshimili North and Aniocha North Local Government Councils, Hon. Emmanuel C. Bazim and Hon. Innocent Esewezie respectively, in collaboration with the office of the Surveyor- General, the Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice and others had allegedly carried out the boundary adjustment.

He commended the Rt. Hon. Oborevwori who was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme for condemning the act and declaring it illegal.

According to Comr. Taiga, the deputy governor rightly pointed out that only constitutionally empowered bodies such as the National Boundary Commission, the State Boundary Committee, and the Governor of the State have the authority to carry out any boundary adjustment.

He quoted Sir Onyeme to have said that the local government chairmen, the Office of the Surveyor-General, or any other individual or agency involved in the said boundary adjustment do not possess such constitutional powers.

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He said that the deputy governor further advised the communities involved to remain calm and law-abiding, as the matter was currently before a competent court of law.

He added that Sir Onyeme, urged all parties to allow the judiciary to deliver a fair and just verdict based on the facts and the law, rather than taking law into their hands.

According to Dr. Taiga, “CDHR strongly supports this call for peace and legal resolution. We warn all land grabbers and their collaborators to desist from such illegalities.

“It has the potential to spark communal crises, destruction of lives and properties as well as destabilize the peaceful coexistence among communities in Delta State.”

Dr. Taiga said that land grabbing was a criminal offence and urged the Delta State Government to take decisive action against individuals or groups involved in such unlawful practices.

He added, “the CDHR calls on security agencies, traditional rulers, and all stakeholders to work with the government in curbing this dangerous trend in the society and ensure justice, peace, and equity prevailed.

” CDHR reaffirmed it’s confidence in the Delta State Government under the leadership of Governor Oborevwori and his deputy, Sir Onyeme for upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all communities in the state.