Federal govt intervenes in Imo/Rivers dispute

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) and Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGOF) has kicked off the Imo/Rivers Inter-state Boundary Physical and Tracing Demarcation to resolve the boundary dispute between the states.

At a stakeholders’ meeting in Mmahu, Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, NBC Director-General, Sunday Adamu, assured the states the commission would be impartial.

He also inaugurated members of the state committee on boundary demarcation, saying the commission had set up a joint task team that comprised members of the commission and officials from the two states, to ensure a fair and just exercise.

Deputy Governor and Chairman of the state’s Boundary Committee, Prof. Placid Njoku, promised the government’s partnership and support to ensure a smooth assignment on the boundaries.

He said: “The people love peace and advocate for justice, equity and fairness. Our government has sacrificed a lot to maintain peace and ensure adequate protection of lives in the border communities. Nevertheless, there have been continued border skirmishes and anxiety in Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Areas.

“It is my belief that today’s event affords the states the opportunity of taking a critically important step in the final drive to determine the common boundary of the states.”