The Eleme PhD Forum and the Eleme Graduates Forum have appealed to Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to urgently initiate the permanent demarcation of the boundary between Eleme and neighbouring Okrika communities in accordance with existing government directives and judicial pronouncements.
The appeal formed part of resolutions reached at a Joint Congress of both groups held on Sunday and contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting.
The organisations argued that implementing the Rivers State Government White Paper on the Report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Eleme–Okrika Crisis would provide a lasting solution to the recurring boundary disputes and strengthen peaceful coexistence between the affected communities.
They recalled that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, inaugurated during the administration of former Governor Peter Odili and chaired by retired Justice Charles Granville, alongside the Supreme Court judgment in Suit No. FSC 123/1958, affirmed what they described as the territorial rights of the Eleme people.
According to the communiqué, the White Paper and the subsisting Supreme Court judgment indicate that areas extending to the Okrika waterfront, including Abam and Okochiri communities, the PPMC Jetty, OGS Secondary School, Okrika Motor Park and Okrika General Hospital, are part of Eleme territory.
The groups pledged to continue pursuing the protection and recovery of the disputed areas through lawful and constitutional processes.
They also warned against what they described as illegal land acquisition and encroachment on Eleme land, urging those involved to desist. They added that only legitimate real estate developers operating within the law would be encouraged to carry out business in the area.
Calling for restraint, the congress urged residents and youths of Eleme and neighbouring communities to remain peaceful and avoid actions capable of undermining public order, stressing that dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to the rule of law remain essential for sustainable development and harmonious coexistence.
The congress further expressed support for the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s proposed partnership with two Chinese firms to rehabilitate and ensure the sustainable operation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, assuring prospective investors of a peaceful and investment-friendly environment in Eleme.
On education, the groups welcomed the establishment of the University of Port Harcourt Satellite Campus in Eleme and encouraged indigenes to take advantage of the opportunity. They also announced plans to sponsor admission forms for selected qualified applicants from the area as part of efforts to promote access to higher education.
The communiqué was signed by the Chairman of the Eleme PhD Forum, Dr. Joseph Obele; the President of the Eleme Graduates Forum, Engr. Eric Chujor; and the Forum’s Secretary, Mr. Caleb Akara Osaro.
