By Towncriernews
In order to tame the rising incident of herdsmen attacks in other parts of the country, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated two committees aimed at tackling pressing issues of security and land disputes in the state.
The committee are Livestock Control Committee and the Boundary Committee with the mandate to ensure peace, stability and development across the state.
Inaugurating the Livestock committee, the governor said their mandate is to bring an end to the pervasive clashes farmers and herders.
The 27-man committee is to be chaired by General Cecil Esekhaigbe, rtd, with other members, including Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhikhe, AVM Charles Oghomwen, Mr. Alex Oijiagba, Comrade Saturday Okhuakhua, Samuel Arabomem, Sylvanus Bawa, Mrs. Aikefe Agbavboa, Dr. Osagie Aibuedefe, SP Eneremen Sunday, Uche Nnatube, Sir Ignatius Enabulele, Ebaloghemen Godwin, Ibgnigie O. Osaheni, Hon Moses Edo, Hon Haruna Muhammed, Dr Tony Ikpasaja, Oba palace representative, Onojie of Uzea, HRH Moses Akpamuka ETSU, Abdullahi Binne Danna, Adum Harun, Erhauyi Alfred Iyekekpolor, Mr. Akhimien Obomehelu and Omoh Yusuf. Mrs. Diana Emaga Idahosa will serve as the secretary.
During the inauguration, Governor Okpebholo emphasised the gravity of the assignment, adding “There is a task that we need to handle carefully while this assignment is being carried out. We have to carry it out with the fear of God so that we can have especially the best time and result. We can see what is happening today. Herders clashes here and there.
“You have to confine them to a particular location. That is the essence of this committee. I have people with a wealth of experience in the committee. So, I believe that with God on our side, we are going to achieve our purpose”, he declared.
In his acceptance speech, General Esekhaigbe, rtd, acknowledged the significant responsibility placed upon the committee.
He said: “We want to express our appreciation to you, sir, for considering us fit to take this arduous task.
“The terms of reference are very clear, and it is a reflection of one of your high points when you were coming into power as governor. I know security is one of the pillars of your five points agenda, and we all know one of the causative factors of insecurity in Nigeria as a whole is farming.”
He outlined the committee’s specific terms of reference, which include: regulating the movement of livestock within the State; inspecting, certifying, and registering all ranches; controlling the activities of cattle herdsmen within various communities; providing security reports to the Governor on the activities of cattle and livestock farmers within designated ranching areas; and determining and recommending permit fees and renewal fees for cattle and livestock herdsmen/owners.
General Esekhaigbe concluded by pledging the committee’s dedication: “We will do our best to make sure that our assignment that has been given to us is carried out to the best of our abilities. And to ensure that these community clashes in farmers areas crisis will not be a thing to mention in our dear state.”
Also inaugurating the Boundary Committee, Governor Okpebholo said it signals a decisive move to address persistent boundary disputes affecting communities within Edo State and those bordering neighboring states.
Underscoring the urgency of the committee’s mandate, he said “I am happy to see this moment because communities, especially the ones that share boundaries with us, have issues that border on clear landmarks.
“We have Ondo, we have Delta, we have Kogi State. So, we have boundary crises here and there. For this reason, I think the people before me today are the best to handle this task for the betterment of Edo people.”
The 14-man Boundary Committee is chaired by the Edo State Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
Other members of the committee include the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie; the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika; Mr. Isaac Chikere, M. C. Monyei, Henry Aghedo, Sir Lucky Eseigbe, Emmanuel Okoebor, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, a representative of the Oba of Benin, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, Hon. Abas Braimah, and Hon. Patrick Ikhariale and Ozigbo Osayande Duke who will serve as the secretary.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the chairman, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged the committee’s commitment to its crucial task.
He noted: “Mr. Governor, I want to thank you for this opportunity and deeply hold on to accept the responsibility to serve as the chairman of the newly-inaugurated boundary committee”
“On behalf of all members of this committee, I wish to express our sincere gratitude and acceptance of this responsibility, which we pledge to discharge in fairness, transparency, and integrity.”
Idahosa while highlighting the committee’s objectives, said “This committee will strive to carry out our mission which is to ensure accurate boundary demarcation, promote peaceful coexistence among communities and foster development in the areas affected by conflicts while collaborating with all stakeholders and actively engaging with citizens in fulfilling our mandate.”
He added: “We appreciate His Excellency for the confidence reposed in us and with the diverse expertise of these prominent citizens of this committee. I am confident that we will achieve our goal with fairness and equality. It is a privilege to contribute our quota as we are proud to serve our State and our nation with utmost dedication and professionalism.”