ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has dissolved all existing factions of the Community Development Association (CDA) in Ojobo Community, Burutu Local Government Area, following escalating violence, leadership disputes and reported loss of lives linked to the prolonged crisis.
The decision was announced on Tuesday by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, attended by security chiefs, the Commissioner of Police, the Secretary to the State Government and leaders from the affected community.
Declaring the dissolution, Onyeme said the state government would no longer tolerate actions capable of undermining peace and security in any community, assuring residents that investigations into the recent killings and violent incidents in Ojobo would be thorough and impartial.
“The lives that were lost will not be ignored. Proper investigations will be carried out and those linked to the incidents will face the law. We are not going to sweep it aside,” the Deputy Governor stated.
He noted that the crisis, which stemmed from disputes over CDA leadership, had degenerated into violence and threatened public order, making government intervention inevitable.
According to him, Delta State is governed by laws and all community development associations are expected to operate within the framework of the Delta State Regulation of Community Development Associations Law No. 16 of 2021.
Citing the provisions of the law, Onyeme explained that elected CDA executives are entitled to a three-year tenure and may only seek re-election for one additional term. He dismissed arrangements involving one-year, two-year or six-month leadership tenures as illegal and inconsistent with the state’s legal framework.
The Deputy Governor further clarified that elections into community development associations must be conducted under the supervision of appropriate government agencies and that elected officials must obtain certification and security clearance before assuming office.
He observed that none of the rival factions involved in the Ojobo dispute complied with the legal requirements governing CDA administration, rendering their operations unlawful.
“As far as government is concerned, all actions carried out outside the provisions of the law are illegal. Consequently, government announces the immediate dissolution of all existing CDA factions in Ojobo Community, regardless of affiliation or tenure arrangement.
“The one-year faction, two-year faction, six-month faction or any other faction no longer exists. They have all been dissolved. Pending the establishment of a lawful leadership structure, the Chairman of Burutu Local Government Council will oversee matters relating to the administration of the community,” Onyeme declared.
He warned that individuals who violate the provisions of the CDA law risk severe sanctions, including a fine of N500,000, a two-year prison term, or both.
The Deputy Governor urged residents to embrace peace, unity and lawful conduct, stressing that community development can only thrive in an atmosphere of stability and mutual understanding.
Also speaking, the Commander of the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Moronfolu Shonibare, expressed concern over the inability of stakeholders to resolve the crisis before it escalated into violence.
He warned that security agencies would deal decisively with anyone found in possession of illegal arms or involved in activities capable of threatening public peace.
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, also cautioned those involved in recent disturbances to desist from criminal activities, emphasizing that offences such as murder, arson and grievous bodily harm carry serious legal consequences.
“We are in a country governed by law and any violation of the law has consequences. Murder has taken place, arson has taken place, grievous harm has also taken place. Let nobody think they can get away with crimes committed,” Oyeniyi warned.
Earlier, Chairman of Burutu Local Government Council, Hon. Julius Takeme, briefed the Deputy Governor and security chiefs on the origins of the leadership crisis and outlined steps already taken by the council to restore peace and facilitate a lasting resolution.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by government and security agencies to restore law and order in Ojobo Community while ensuring that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.
