The Deputy Governor,of Abia State Engr Ikechukwu Emetu has charged members of the State Boundary Committee to be professional in realizing their mandate of bringing lasting solutions to the internal and Interstates boundary problems confronting the State.
Engr Emetu who gave the charge during a meeting he held with members of the Abia State Boundary Committee on the various internal and Interstates boundary problems at Govt House, Umuahia harped on the need to look for better and proactive ways to broker peace between border communities, especially now the farming season is on ground.
The Deputy Governor enjoined leaders and stakeholders of Ikwuano LGA to make available to Govt all certified documents and Court judgements that would lead to finding solutions to the lingering boundary problem between the people of Ariam Elu- Elu and Ariam Osoigwe autonomous communities in Ikwuano LGA and their Ikoro Okwom and Akara of Akwa Ibom State.
He disclosed that the Governor, Dr Alex Otti has directed that the affected communities of lkwuano should immediately liaze with their counterparts in Akwa Ibom to find out means of dousing tensions along their boundary areas until the National Boundary Commission can demarcate their boundaries.
Engr Emetu who is also the Chairman of the Committee reiterates the present administration in it’s resolve to realize it’s mandate on food sufficiency’, Govt is bent on overhauling the Agricultural sector and take advantage of its potentials for increased revenue base.
He reaffirmed that Govt will always take bold steps in confronting headlong challenges facing the State and stressed the need for the military and security personnel drafted to man border communities to remain neutral in matters concerning warring communities.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Commander macdonald Ubah, rtd. assured that Govt will get to the root of the matter concerning boundary issues in and outside the State and cautioned against shedding of blood over land disputes.
In their remarks, the Mayor of Ikwuano LGA, Chief Osinachi Nwaka, his Deputy, Chief Charles Ugbaja, the President General, Ariam Elu-Elu Development Union, Chief Chris Ugbaja, his Ikwuano counterpart, Dr Charles Anyadiegwu and the Traditional Ruler of Ugwuegbu autonomous community in Usaka, Eze Ambrose Nwagwu lamented that the boundary issues with their Akwa Ibom neighbours is becoming very overbearing and appealed to Govt to come to their rescue by ensuring food and adequate security in their land.
The meeting which featured Interim reports by the Lead Consultant/Technical Committee, Sir Chris Nwanevu on demarcation of boundaries of Ndi Ememe Abam versus Idima Abam, Ndi Ojiaku Abam versus Ndiebe Abam as well as an update from the National Boundary Commission on the demarcation of boundaries between Abia and Akwa Ibom States.
