By Samuel Ogude
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has Condemned unlawful and unconstitutional boundary adjustment in the land dispute between Issele-Azagba and Okpanam Communities in Delta State just as it called for judicial respect, accountability and protection of the rights of the parties concerned This is made known in press statement signed Dr. Kehinde Taiga, National President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights((CDHR) made available to members of Journalists in Warri.
Dr. Taiga said that Hon. Innocent Esewezie, Chairman, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Chinye Bazim, Chairman, Oshimili North Local Government Area, the Office of the Surveyor-General, and the Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice of Delta State should not have allegedly adjusted the boundary since the matter is before a competent court of law. The National President of the CDHR said the alleged adjustment of the land in dispute is not only illegal, provocative but can spark off communal crisis which would disrupt public peace among the communities involved.
According to Taiga, “the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR), Nigeria, under my leadership as National President, strongly condemns the unlawful and unconstitutional boundary adjustment allegedly carried out by Hon. Innocent Esewezie, Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Chinye Bazim, Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Council, The Office of the Surveyor-General, And the Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice of Delta State”
Dr. Taiga asserted that Local Government Chairmen have no Constitutional powers to adjust or alter boundaries between Local Government Areas, adding, “as such powers are clearly defined under Nigerian law and must follow due process. He said, boundary adjustment requires a proposal by the Governor, approval by two-third of the affected Local Government Councils, a Public Referendum, an action by State House of Assembly among others, before it can be effective.
Dr. Taiga said, the original Local Government boundaries, established at the creation of Aniocha North and Oshimili North Local Government Areas years ago must be upheld. He however, said, unless it is legally and transparently altered through Constitutional means, any attempt to redraw boundaries without legal authority or community consultation is illegal, null, and void .According to CDHR boss, there should be a stop to all boundary-related activities pending court’s resolution, respect for judicial independence and constitutional separation of powers just as he said, there should be independent investigation into the fraudulent consent judgment. CDHR also called on state officials or institutions not to compromise justice in this regard.
Dr. Taiga added, “CDHR’s demands immediate halt to all boundary-related activities pending court’s resolution; full respect for judicial independence and Constitutional separation of powers, independent investigation into the fraudulent consent judgment, strict adherence to the original boundaries established by law…”
While CDHR boss called on the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and Delta Boundary Committee to promptly intervene in the matter to pave way for peaceful and lawful resolution to avoid breakdown of law and order in the state, he said the organization remains firmly committed to defending Constitutional order, community’s rights, and the integrity of Nigeria’s legal and administrative systems and therefore called on all stakeholders to act with courage, transparency, and in strict compliance with the law.They also urged the communities involved to remain peaceful, vigilant, and law abiding, as CDHR will continue to pursue all legal avenues to ensure that justice is served.