Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has inaugurated a 10-member boundary committee during which time he cautioned communities having boundary disputes in the FCT not to take the laws into their hands but follow due process to get them resolved amicably in the interest of peace.
The Committee has the FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye as Chairman, with representatives of the Attorney General of the Federation, FCT Directors of Urban & Regional Planning, Economic Planning Research & Statistics, FCT Police Commissioner, Director of FCT Command of DSS, FCT Comptroller of Immigration Services, Isa Dara, and Musa Yahaya, former Chairmen of Bwari and Abaji Area Councils respectively as members, while the Director of FCT Survey and Mapping will serve as Secretary.
The Minister rolled out the terms of reference of the committee, which include dealing with inter and intra Area Council Boundary disputes within the FCT; define and delimit Inter Area Council Boundaries in accordance with the delimitation instrument or document established for that purpose as well as identify and intervene in areas of potential disputes in the FCT.
Other areas to be covered by the committee include holding quarterly meetings to ensure maintenance of peace and order in border areas; liaise with State Boundary Committees of neighboring States with a view of taking joint measures that promote good inter-community relationship; and arranging with other State Boundary Committees for joint utilization of shared resources and facilities along the common borders, in addition, encouraging and promoting joint inter-community development ventures among border dwellers.
He also advised the Committee to work harmoniously and in full cooperation and communication with the National Boundary Commission as well as similar bodies in the States that surround the FCT.
The Minister warned that the FCT Administration will not hesitate to sanction community or political leaders in the FCT who allow boundary disputes in their domain to escalate into a breakdown of law and order. He said that any community or political leader who fuel crisis would be made to face the full wrath of the law
“I want to state here very clearly, in all the communities, whether it is inside the FCT or at the bordering communities, any community that takes the law into its hands or tries to create misunderstanding that results into violence, the traditional rulers of that community and the relevant political and administrative officers of that community will be held fully and squarely responsible.”
In his response, the Chairman of the Boundary Committee, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye, assured that the committee would ensure that the task of government of maintaining peace and security is provided.
“We are going to do this professionally and dispassionately. The committee will not take sides. The committee will ensure that everything is done particularly with the fear of God because it is God that gives absolute peace.” [myad]
