The Ebonyi state government has made significant strides in peace-building among communities, resolving a total of 50 disputes in nine months. According to the Ebonyi Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Paul Nwobashi, the ministry has resolved 21 boundary disputes and 29 community, village, and election-related disputes from January to date. This was disclosed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in his office in Abakaliki on Wednesday.
The ministry handles boundary disputes, community land disputes, leadership tussles, and other conflicts capable of threatening peaceful coexistence among communities. Nwobashi stated that the ministry mediates in such disputes whenever they arise, which has helped to restore peace and promote development. The commissioner's statement highlights the crucial role of the ministry in maintaining peace and stability in the state.
Some boundary disputes in Ebonyi are attributed to the removal of boundary pillars by land grabbers and disagreements over royalties from areas endowed with mineral resources. The state is blessed with abundant mineral resources, and sometimes communities and villages fight over who controls the royalties from these resources, resulting in crises. This has led to tensions between communities, emphasizing the need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms.
Nwobashi emphasized that peace is essential for development, and the administration of Gov. Francis Nwifuru has continued to prioritize peace and the welfare of residents through its People’s Charter of Needs agenda. The governor's commitment to peace and development has created an enabling environment for the ministry to carry out its mandate effectively.
The commissioner described the ministry's assignment as challenging but stated that its officials remain committed to achieving results in line with the vision and mission of the state government. The ministry works with integrity, and no amount of pressure can make them change the truth or compromise their standards. This underscores the ministry's dedication to its core values.
Nwobashi commended Gov. Francis Nwifuru for his support to the ministry and urged residents to continue promoting peace, stressing that meaningful development cannot take place in an atmosphere of rancor and acrimony. The commissioner's appreciation for the governor's support highlights the importance of collaboration between the government and stakeholders in maintaining peace.
The Ebonyi state government's efforts to resolve disputes and promote peace have yielded positive results, with 50 disputes resolved in nine months. The ministry's commitment to peace-building and conflict resolution has contributed significantly to the state's stability and development. The government is expected to continue prioritizing peace and the welfare of residents.
Key points
- Ebonyi state government resolves 50 disputes, including 21 boundary and 29 community, village, and election-related disputes, in nine months.
- The ministry handles boundary disputes, community land disputes, leadership tussles, and other conflicts capable of threatening peaceful coexistence among communities.
- Peace is essential for development, and the administration of Gov. Francis Nwifuru has prioritized peace and the welfare of residents through its People’s Charter of Needs agenda.
