By: Kpazoo Morrison
Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Dr. Thomas Bariere, has led stakeholders across Khana to adopt far-reaching resolutions aimed at strengthening security, protecting community lands, promoting responsible social media use, and sustaining peace and development throughout the Local Government Area.
The resolutions were reached during an Extraordinary Stakeholders Meeting convened by the council chairman at the Suanu Finimale Nwika Conference Hall, Khana Local Government Council Secretariat, Bori, Rivers State.
Addressing the gathering, Bariere emphasized the need for collective action against insecurity and all forms of criminality threatening the peace of Khana, and strongly condemned the recent attack on the Chairman of the Khana Area Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, King Dr. Baridam Suanu Yormaadam, describing the incident as an assault on the collective peace of the area and calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
Stakeholders at the meeting also resolved to intensify security measures through the continued implementation of “Operation Guard Your Community Farmlands/Forest” and called on security agencies to pursue criminals beyond local boundaries, noting that many offenders flee to neighboring local government areas after committing crimes in Khana.
The meeting further resolved that traditional rulers, chiefs, and community leaders found harboring criminals, kidnappers, or other offenders would face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
On land-related matters, the stakeholders warned against illegal acquisition, encroachment, or sale of government-owned lands and affirmed that offenders would be prosecuted. They also resolved that any individual or group seeking large-scale land acquisition must obtain the consent of the host community and approval of the Khana Local Government Council.
The Khana stakeholders also reaffirmed their support for the people of Sogho over the disputed land reportedly sold by Mr. Serekara Barikpoa, maintaining that the land had already been acquired by the Rivers State Government for a Banana Plantation Project. They equally pledged solidarity with the people of Okwale, Sogho, Loorre, and Luebe against any unauthorized invasion or occupation of their ancestral lands.
The meeting expressed concern over the growing misuse of social media and urged youths to desist from using online platforms to insult, defame, or undermine leaders, while calling for the enforcement of laws regulating responsible social media engagement.
On public safety, stakeholders approved the profiling and verification of all commercial motorcycle operators in Khana and resolved that the existing restriction on motorcycle operations between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. should remain in force pending the completion of the exercise.
The gathering also called for urgent intervention in the Uegwere Bo-ue/Yeghe boundary dispute, including the establishment of a permanent security post and the planting of economic trees along the disputed boundary, while appealing to the leadership of Gokana Local Government Area to join efforts toward a lasting solution.
Another major resolution was the approval of a cemetery project for Bori and its environs, with stakeholders agreeing that the land initially earmarked for the proposed Khana Fruit and Vegetable Market near the borrow pit be converted for cemetery use.
The well-attended meeting brought together traditional rulers, elected representatives, former council chairmen, security commanders, religious leaders, academics, youth leaders, community development leaders, and other stakeholders, all of whom pledged their commitment to supporting Dr. Thomas’ vision for a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Khana.
