By Akanimo Samson, Leadership Newspaper 13 December 2011

Rivers, Bayelsa At War Over Boundary

Things are currently falling apart between Rivers State, and its sister state, Bayelsa, the home state of President Goodluck Jonathan, over boundary problems.The backstage conflict appears to have taken a new twist with the Rivers State Government dragging the president’s state before the Apex Court to arbitrate in their dispute.Port Harcourt confirmed yesterday that it has filed a suit at the Supreme Court seeking clarification on issues surrounding their boundary with Bayelsa State.The state Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, had given an indication to this effect during a joint meeting of officials of the two disputing states with the National Boundary Commission (NBC) in Port Harcourt.Ikuru, who is also the Chairman of the Rivers State Boundary Commission, said there was the need for the NBC to defer further discussions on the matter, pointing out then that it would amount to subjudice as “any discussion on the issue would amount to challenging the authority of the court, which is contemptuous”.The deputy governor, who was represented by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Worgu Boms, called on the NBC and the Surveyor-General of the Federation to be sensitive to boundary issues between states with to fast-tracking amicable settlements.Ikuru’s Bayelsa State counterpart, Mr. Werinipre Seibarugu, had expressed gratitude to the Rivers state government for hosting the meeting that was intended to resolve the boundary cases between states, claiming that settlement will foster their longstanding relationship.The obviously startled Director-General of NBC, Dr. Mohammed Ahmad, has noted that Rivers and Bayelsa had mutual relationship over the years, saying there is need for a peaceful resolution of issues concerning their common boundaryHe also explained that the Port Harcourt meeting was aimed at fast-tracking the resolution of all pending matters not affected by the Supreme Court case.In another development, the Rivers Commissioner for Transport, Mr. George Tolofari, has said that the Creek RoadMarket in Port Harcourt will be fenced off to forestall the encroachment of trading activities on the road.Tolofari stated this during an unscheduled visit to some markets and illegal car parks in the state capital.The transport boss who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Urban Development Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Chairman of the state Environmental Sanitation Authority, Isoboye Jack and the Controller General of TIMARIV, the state’s traffic management agency, Mr. Nelson Jaja, frowned at the attitude of traders who carry out their activities on the road which according to him expose them to accidents.He said government would begin the enforcement of law which stipulates that heavy duty vehicles can only come into Port Harcourt from 9 pm to 6 am.