Rivers
RSG Inaugurates Tactical Committee For Farmers/Herders Clashes
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a committee to handle issues of frequent clashes between farmers and herders across the state.
Innaugurated on Thursday, the committee is to serve as a proactive measure to address the recent alarming tension between farmers and herders across Rivers State.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, in his Inaugural speech as the Chairman of the committee, expressed the importance of agriculture in the State and country’s economy, saying that conflicts within the sector cannot yield a healthy economy in the State.
Worika, who recalled some of the antecedents of conflicts among farmers and herders in some parts of the country, said lack of timely intervention in some lingering situations have resulted in loss of lives, displacement and disruption of economic activities in parts of the country.
According to him, the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ekwe Ibas (rtd), is determined to prevent such occurrences in Rivers State by inaugurating the Committee to foster dialogue, promote justice and ensure peaceful coexistence among the cattle rearers and farmers in the State.
“This farmers and herders committee has, therefore, been constituted as a proactive measure to identify and address the alarming signs of tension between farmers and herders across the state.
“This committee is also given mandate to mediate and resolve disputes among the two sister farmers amicably through community-based, and non- violent mechanisms to ensure that grazing and farming activities are conducted within the bounds of law and environmental sustainability.
“The committee will also advise the government on sustainable strategies for land use, pasture development, and water resource management, and promote mutual understanding and peaceful engagement through community sensitization and advocacy”, he said.
The SSG said the composition of the committee reflects the inclusion of the relevant inter-sectoral organs of the government, by drawing membership from the traditional institution, security agencies, farmers’ associations, herders’ representatives, civil society groups, and relevant ministries such as agriculture, local government, and justice.
“We expect this committee to act with wisdom, fairness, and diligence. Our task is not only to prevent conflict, but to build trust and forge partnerships between the various communities that sustain our economy and our peace”, he advised.
Worika revealed that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture would serve as the committee’s secretary.
Enoch Epelle