Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi has raised hope of ending the communal crisis between Ekporo Community in Eleme and OguCommunity in Ogu/ Bolo local government areas communities over land ownership.
While hosting the Eleme General Assembly in Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, he assured that his administration will seek ways to end the protracted crisis.
He promised to summon fresh meetings towards finding a lasting solution to the crisis which claimed the life of a councillor representing Ekporo Ward, Nelson Ogbuji, last year.
In his words, “ the security situation between Eleme and Okrika is something we should look into again. But I need to meet the deputy governor whose office covers boundary adjustment matters.”
Amaechi further assured that Ekporo Community will return to their homes once the issues were resolved.
The Rivers State governor used the meeting to canvass for peaceful co-existence between communities in the state, saying, “ It’s where you live and do business that is your village, so let’s minimize ethnic rivalry.”
On the requests made by the Eleme people for more government presence and projects, he said the administration will do its best but pointed out that, “ If you don’t vote out the PDP, 80 per cent of what you say here will not materialize. It’s when there is a change in government that you will have your requests realized”.
Frowning at the Federal Government inability to implement the United Nations Environmental Report(UNEP), the governor maintained that Eleme people need to canvass for a change of government in order to get the report implemented.
The governor assured them that the Eleme people will continue to be accorded special place in governance but added that, “ I don’t see any reason to be treated as distinct community. Don’t ask what you will not get.”
In his remarks, traditional head of the area and One Eh Eleme, Emere Samuel Ejire commended the governor for siting school and health projects and awarding scholarships to Eleme children. “We pray God to bless you to do more for the area,” the monarch further stated.
Earlier, President of Eleme General Assembly, Jonah Chujor had commended the governor for incorporating the people of the area in his developmental strides and for appointing their sons and daughters in position of trust.
He described Eleme as a distinct people with unique heritage, but however decried the increasing encroachment on their land from neighbouring Okrika communities over the years.
“We have come to realize that the uniqueness of Eleme has come under controversies…Our identity should not be compromised but be recognized, “ Chujor demanded.
Chujor also decried the non-implementation of the UNEP Report explaining that the area is worst hit by oil pollution , “ so as a people we are expecting implementation of the UNEP Report.”
Against this backdrop, the Eleme General Assembly President canvassed for the setting up of an Environmental Hazard Equipment to tackle the effects of the pollution in the area, since Eleme has the highest presence of benzene contamination underground.
Chujor also canvassed for the repairs of the Tanker Park and Eleme junction, further calling for the creation of another local council area and recognition of more traditional stools in the area.