Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi state govts meet to resolve border disputes
NAN-DS-11
Meeting
By Mohammed Mamman
Damaturu, Jan. 30, 2018 (NAN) The Bauchi, Gombe and Yobe state governments on Tuesday held a joint meeting in Damaturu to amicably resolve boundary disputes between Yobe/Gombe and Yobe/Bauchi states.
The Yobe Government convened the meeting between the three states and the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to provide proactive measures to settle the border disputes.
Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe said the meeting would chart a reliable course to resolve the border disputes, promote peaceful and harmonious coexistence among the border communities.
“I wish to recommend to the National Boundary Commission to always adopt the problem solving option that seeks to take into consideration all interests involved in the disputes to arrive at an acceptable settlement package,” Gaidam said.
He noted that the disputes between Fika in Yobe and Nafada in Gombe State as well as Nangere in Yobe and Danbam in Bauchi State must be addressed to arrive at an amicable solution.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of all stakeholders in resolving the disputes “to strengthen the long cherished cordial relationship and understanding between our governments and the good people of the brotherly states.”
The Governor advised traditional rulers, local government authorities and the border communities to live in peace with one another.
NBC’s Director-General, Dr Mohammed Ahmed, assured that the meeting would address claims and counter-claims by some border communities.
“It is our hope that the states will take advantage of the age-long affinity of the people who are indeed one and the same with common history and destiny, to make quick progression in the definition of the boundaries,” Ahmed said.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would be successful in view of the support and cooperation extended by the state governments, stakeholders and communities. (NAN)
MM/MOL/AMY
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Abdullahi Yusuf