By Erharuyi A. Joe
Literally, Community Development Association (CDA) is an organisation which was established in respective communities to explore and source for developmental initiatives that would improve the lots of its people in the scheme of things. At its inception, such initiatives of CDA included consultations with governments, donor agencies, public-spirited individuals, amongst others, to bring desired projects aimed at developing its area or protecting concerned interest.
As time progressed, the CDA, which ought to be renowned as a vehicle or catalyst for development, became a monster devoted to retrogression. It was characterised by vices and vicious criminality especially in fast-developing communities in Edo South Senatorial District. Most of its activities included land grabbing, collection of illegal and outrageous levies from property developers, violent clashes between and among communities on the grounds of boundary disputes, leadership tussle, secret cult clashes, illegal possession of fire arms, amongst others.
Consequently, the increasing stance of the dissident CDAs became a nightmare to communities and retrogressive to the extent that the majority of communities in the South Senatorial District of Edo State, were ridiculed for the untoward activities of CDAs. The disturbing reports became intolerable to the extent that His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, CFR, in his Coronation speech, decried the bloodshed in communities perpetrated by land grabbers under the guise of CDAs, and vowed to move for a law that would decisively deal with such notorious people and ban the CDAs in communities across the Edo South Senatorial District.
To that effect, the Edo State Government banned the activities of CDAs in the State on April 12, 2017. Thereafter, the State Government came up with appropriate measures to ensure effective implementation of the law. One of the potent arsenals for checkmating the resurgence of CDAs was the constitution of the Edo State Private Property Protection Law Implementation Committee. The eight-member Committee was charged with the responsibility of improving land administration in the State and supporting the Government’s efforts at checking the activities of land grabbers and property speculators, being perpetrated by the CDAs in communities across the State.
Its express jurisdiction covered arrest, restrain and prosecution of offenders, who contravened the provisions of the Edo State Private Property Protection Law (2021). It was also to receive, screen and conduct preliminary investigations and review proceedings on public and private petitions relating to the subject of the Law. They were also to make resolutions and set out procedures and other functions as required of them to undertake their activities. The Committee which was headed by Hon. Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga (Rtd.), received numerous accolades and commendations for effectively delivering on its mandate.
The current State Government, which is known for its zero-tolerance for public disorder as exemplified by its decisive action against illegal ticketing and extortions, is yet to constitute a standing committee for the protection of private property since the dissolution of the previous one, which was inaugurated by the immediate past Administration.
It is certain that a standing committee would be more effective and efficient in dealing with resurgence of the menace of CDAs in the State. Now that CDAs are emerging again with ruthless notoriety, obviously in contravention of existing laws, the Edo State Government should use its good offices to urgently constitute a committee on the protection of private property in the State, beginning from scrutinizing the existing Law to see if there is need for amendments that would be most suitable for the prevailing circumstance in the State.
It is instructive to assert that the media must be commended for publicizing the resurgence of CDAs. However, it is sad that most of such dissidents would not refrain illegal activities except there is an instrument of Government which is empowered to keep them in check at all times, while the media continue with its corporate social responsibility of reporting the Committee’s outcomes and its effects on enhancing security in communities across Edo State.
It should be noted that such decision of Government would have multiplier effects on reducing violent crimes in the State, which would also contribute in no small measure to the social ranking status of the State.
