The Joint Congress of the Eleme PhD Forum and the Eleme Graduates Forum has declared that several key locations presently associated with Okrika are historically part of Eleme territory, reaffirming its commitment to reclaiming the disputed areas through lawful and constitutional means.
The declaration was contained in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Joint Congress held on Sunday, 12 July 2026, in which the groups also urged the Rivers State Government to implement the recommendations of previous judicial findings in order to bring a permanent resolution to the longstanding boundary dispute.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Eleme PhD Forum, Dr Joseph Obele; the President of the Eleme Graduates Forum, Engr Eric Chujor; the Secretary of the Eleme PhD Forum, Pastor Dr Fortune Kenya; and the Secretary of the Eleme Graduates Forum, Mr Caleb Akara Osaro.
According to the communiqué, the forums based their claims on the Report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Eleme-Okrika Crisis and the judgment of the Supreme Court in Suit No. FSC 123/1958.
The groups stated that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, established by the Rivers State Government during the administration of former Governor Dr Peter Odili and chaired by retired Justice Charles Granville, as well as the state’s White Paper on the commission’s findings, affirmed the territorial rights of the Eleme people.
They maintained that, based on those legal instruments, several locations currently identified with Okrika—including the Okrika Waterfront, Abam Community, Okochiri Community, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) Jetty, OGS Secondary School, Okrika Motor Park and Okrika General Hospital—fall within Eleme territory.
The congress therefore reiterated its resolve to pursue the recovery and protection of the disputed areas exclusively through legal channels.
“As soon as possible, we will pursue the recovery and protection of these areas through lawful and constitutional means,” the communiqué stated.
The professional bodies also appealed to the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to facilitate the permanent demarcation of the boundary between Eleme and neighbouring communities in accordance with the recommendations contained in the government’s White Paper.
They described boundary demarcation as the most sustainable approach to ensuring lasting peace, legal certainty and harmonious coexistence among the affected communities.
While restating their territorial claims, the forums cautioned against unlawful acquisition and encroachment on land within the disputed areas.
They warned individuals and organisations involved in unauthorised land transactions to desist immediately, stressing that only duly authorised and law-abiding real estate developers and investors would be welcomed to undertake legitimate investments within Eleme.
The congress nevertheless urged residents and youths of both Eleme and neighbouring communities to remain peaceful and refrain from actions capable of undermining public order.
It encouraged all stakeholders to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to the rule of law as the most effective means of resolving disputes and fostering sustainable development.
Beyond the boundary issue, the Joint Congress expressed support for the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) over plans to partner with two Chinese firms for the rehabilitation and sustainable operation of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
The groups assured prospective investors that Eleme remains peaceful, secure and open to investment, expressing confidence that ongoing industrial and economic initiatives would contribute significantly to the area’s development.
The congress also welcomed the establishment of the University of Port Harcourt Satellite Campus in Eleme, describing it as a major educational milestone for the community.
It urged eligible indigenes to take advantage of the opportunity, while announcing that both forums would sponsor admission forms for selected qualified and interested applicants from Eleme as part of their commitment to promoting higher education.
The Joint Congress reaffirmed its dedication to the peace, unity, progress and sustainable development of Eleme, calling on government, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents to work collectively towards advancing the community’s long-term aspirations.
Editor’s Note: The territorial claims and interpretations of historical judicial decisions contained in the communiqué reflect the position of the Eleme PhD Forum and the Eleme Graduates Forum. Other parties to the longstanding boundary dispute may hold differing legal or historical positions, and the matter remains one of public and governmental interest.
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