There is a new twist to the boundary dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states as Akuku-Toru Local Government Council of Rivers State has dragged Bayelsa State government before a Federal High Court, Abuja over disputed oil wells in the Soku Oil Field.
The respondents are the attorney-general of Bayelsa State and the National Boundary Commission (NBC) in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/413/20 which would come up for hearing on April 10.
The suit was filed by Goddey Orusah and seven others for themselves and as representing the chiefs and principal members of the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
Bayelsa State government has said it would file its defence though it was not properly served the writ of summons.
The boundary matter was set to be resolved in Yenagoa earlier this year before Rivers State government pulled out of the talks when technical teams from both states and NBC were ready to make their presentations.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa State government has in its reaction accused Rivers State of abuse of judicial process over the disputed oil wells as the Supreme Court had in judgement on suit number 106/2009 said the boundary could not be determined until NBC completed its assignment.
SAMUEL ESE, Yenagoa
