Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Benue State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, has charged members of the newly constituted Joint Field Team, Dispute Management, and Security Sub-Committees to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, impartiality, and a deep sense of duty to their communities.
Dr. Sam Ode who is also the Chairman, Benue State Boundary Committee stated this in his office at Government House Makurdi on Tuesday, while inaugurating the three sub-committees, saddled with the responsibility of implementing the demarcation of Ugambe/Mbaiase sector of the Konshisha/Gwer-East inter Local Government Boundary. He further tasked them to work in unity with one another to achieve lasting solution that will benefit their people and future generations.
The Deputy Governor maintained that “amicable resolution of boundary issues will not only bring peace and stability to the affected communities but also pave the way for development and prosperity”.
While outlining the committees’ terms of reference, Barr. Ode said the Joint Field Team, headed by Surveyor Joshua Ashi has the mandate of mapping, field completion and demarcation of boundary lines, which he noted “must be clearly defined and agreed upon by all parties”.
Dispute Management Sub-Committee which is co-chaired by the Caretaker Chairman of Konshisha Local Government Area, Hon. Philip Achuah and his Gwer-East counterpart, Hon. Mrs. Comfort Agbo will facilitate dialogue and negotiation where disagreements arise during the demarcation process, stressing that “your work is vital in maintaining harmony and resolving desputes amicably”.
Security Sub-Committee, headed by Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Col. Alex Anshongu (rtd) is to provide necessary security to the Joint Field Team, and handle all security issues related to boundary demarcation in the affected communities.
Responding on behalf of members of the sub-committees, Caretaker Chairman Gwer-East Local Government Mrs. Comfort Agbo thanked the Deputy Governor for giving them the opportunity to serve on the committees, promising that “we will work diligently in accordance with the law for the benefit of our communities”.
In a related development, Chairman, Benue State Boundary Committee, Dr. Sam Ode directed the state boundary Commissioner, Surveyor Solomon Adaga to give the necessary support to members of the Peace and Implementation Committee from Konshisha and Oju local government areas to hasten demarcation work on Bonta / Ukpute border corridor and ensure timely completion of the excersice which is already in progress.
The Deputy Governor stated this on Tuesday when he received members of the Committee who were in his office to interact with him, further urged them to be cautious and avoid acts capable of derailing the process, stressing that justice, dialogue and the spirit of give and take must be embraced by all parties.