Delta State Government, Tuesday dissolved all existing factions of Community Development Association (CDA) in Ojobo community, Burutu Local Government Area of the state, following rising tensions and reported loss of lives linked to CDA leadership disputes within the community.
Deputy Governor of the state, Sir Monday Onyeme announced the dissolution of the Ojobo CDA during a meeting with the community stakeholders, held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba
Speaking at the meeting which was attended by Service Chiefs and the Commissioner of Police in the state as well as the Secretary to the State Government, Sir Onyeme noted that Delta is a sate governed by laws and warned against acts capable of threatening peace and stability.
He assured residents in the area that investigations into the recent killings and violent incidents in the community would be thorough, promising that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
“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 declared.
According to him, the state would not stand by while communities descend into crisis due to disputes arising from CDA leadership struggles, stressing that community development structures must operate within the provisions of the law.
Citing the Delta State Regulation of Community Development Associations Law No. 16 of 2021, he noted that CDA officers are entitled to a three-year tenure and may only be re-elected for one additional term, dismissing agitations for one-year, two-year or six-month leadership arrangements as inconsistent with existing laws.
Sir Onyeme further explained that elections into community associations must be supervised by the appropriate government agencies, while elected officers must receive certification and security clearance before assuming office.
While saying that none of the officials in the factions involved in the dispute fulfilled the legal requirements, the Deputy Governor pointed out that their activities have been rendered unlawful.
“As far as government is concerned, all actions carried out outside the provisions of the law are illegal. Consequently, government announced 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 exist. They have all been dissolved. Pending the establishment of a lawful leadership structure, the Chairman of the local government council is expected to oversee affairs relating to the community’s administration," he said.
The Deputy Governor warned that violators of the law of the state on CDAs risk severe penalties, including a fine of N500,000, two years imprisonment, or both, for contravening the provisions of the law.
Sir Onyeme reiterated the state government's commitment to restoring peace, law and order, while urging residents to embrace unity and work collectively towards community development rather than division.
In his remarks during the meeting, the 63 Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. Moronfolu Shonibare said it was regrettable that the people of Ojobo Community have not been able to address the CDA leadership crisis in their community, warning that anybody caught with arms will face the full weight of the law.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, warned individuals involved in recent violent disturbances that criminal acts, including murder, arson and infliction of grievous harm, will attract the full weight of the law, while urging residents to embrace peace and lawful conduct.
“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,” CP Oyeniyi stated.
Earlier, the Chairman of Burutu Local Government Council, Hon. Julius Takeme who briefed the Deputy Governor and the Service Chiefs as well as other stakeholders on how the Ojobo CDA leadership crisis started in the community, gave an account of the steps the local government council has taken towards resolving the crisis.
