By: Kpazoo Morrison
A high-powered delegation from Bua-Sogho communities in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State comprising traditional rulers, elders, clergy, Community Development Committee (CDC) leaders, youths, women leaders, and political stakeholders have alerted chairman of the area, Dr. Thomas Bariere on alleged encroachment on its lands by strangers
The delegation led by Dr. Moses D Nsanam, State Overseer for Rivers East, Deeper Life Bible Church, who visited the council boss at his country-home in Yorwii-Baen said the visit became necessary due to growing concerns over alleged encroachment on Sogho lands by certain individuals from a neighboring local government area, as well as reports of attempts to bring Fulani herdsmen into Luusue-Sogho.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Nsanam explained that the people of Sogho were alarmed by what he described as deceptive efforts by some individuals to sell portions of land that had previously been acquired and gazetted by the Rivers State Government for the Banana Plantation Project.
According to him, the move is not in the interest of Ogoni people, Khana Local Government, Rivers State, or the Sogho Community. He noted that rather than taking matters into their own hands, the community chose to formally notify the local government chairman, whom they regard as a leader committed to the security and welfare of the people.
Furthermore, Nsanam expressed confidence in the chairman’s pragmatic leadership style and ability to address issues capable of threatening peace and security within the local government area.
Also speaking, the Councillor representing Ward 4 in the Khana Legislative Assembly, Ndinee Marcus, said the delegation had come to seek the intervention of the chairman as the Chief Security Officer of the local government.
He stated that the issue of alleged land grabbing had become a major concern to the people of Sogho and called on the council chairman to provide the necessary support to ensure that lands inherited from their forefathers are protected and preserved for future generations.
Nsanam however, praised the Chairman’s performance in office, describing his administration as transformative. He noted that Khana and the entire Ogoni nation were proud of his achievements and commended his decision to reside within the local government area while carrying out his official duties.
”Your coming has brought transformation to Khana. Ogoni is proud of you. Khana is proud of you in terms of performance. No chairman has ever lived in Khana while serving the people the way you are doing today,” Nsanam remarked.
Responding, Dr. Thomas Bariere, acknowledged the concerns raised by the delegation and assured them that the matter would receive the attention it deserves.
Bariere noted that the people and leadership of Bua-Sogho had formally presented their position regarding the acquisition of certain hectares of land by an NGO, which reportedly claimed to have purchased the land from an individual identified as Mr. Barikpoa Serekara.
He said the people of Sogho were dissatisfied with the manner in which the transaction was conducted, particularly because the area in question had previously been acquired by the Rivers State Government for the Banana Plantation project.
Consequently, the chairman assured the delegation that their concerns would be communicated to the broader leadership and stakeholders of Khana during a stakeholders’ meeting.
