Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has urged the members of the recently inaugurated State Boundary Committee to approach their responsibilities with objectivity, impartiality, and fairness when handling disputes among communities within the state.
Speaking at the formal inauguration of the 15-member committee in Enugu on Tuesday, the governor emphasized the importance of adhering strictly to the committee’s terms of reference.
Governor Mbah stressed the need for the committee members to maintain a high level of objectivity to ensure the just and fair resolution of both intra and interstate boundary disputes. He highlighted the significance of creating awareness about the nature of boundaries, emphasizing that they are geographical expressions that should not lead to animosity between communities.
Acknowledging the gravity of their role in resolving disputes, the governor urged the committee to follow legal provisions, encourage alternative dispute resolution, and prioritize reconciliation among communities over litigation. He emphasized the collective identity of the committee members as residents of Enugu State and the importance of their objective being the reconciliation of communities.
In response, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, the Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Governor of the State, assured Governor Mbah that the committee would carry out its duties in accordance with the law, ensuring that justice is served. Barr. Ossai acknowledged the persistent challenge of boundary disputes among communities and pledged the committee’s commitment to adopting a flexible, human approach in addressing these issues. He further promised that the committee would diligently complete all assignments within the stipulated time frame.
