The Abia state deputy governor Engr Ikechukwu Emetu
The Abia state Deputy Governor Engr Ikechukwu Emetu has assured Ukwa East people of government intervention on the fears of evasion and forceful acquisition of their lands by Akwa Ibom state.
Emetu received a delegation from Ukwa East who brought the issue bordering on boundaries between Azumini Ndoki and Akirika Obu communities and fears of attack by the Akwa Ibom people and their lands being ceded to Akwa Ibom state, in his office at the Government House, Umuahia.
He encouraged them not to be afraid, reminding them of the existing Supreme court judgements that had existed when the State was in Imo state.
He assured of the Security presence at Obingwa/ Akirika Obu, adding that he will continue dialoguing with the Akwa Ibom state government on how to peacefully resolve the boundary issue, as the State Chairman of Boundary Committee.
Emetu assured that the fears arising from the road construction which runs from Ikot Esu-Otomo in Ika LGA of Akwa-Ibom State into Uzonta road in Azumini Ndoki community, Ukwa-East LGA of Abia State, will also be handled by the government.
He said that the state government under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti will get all issues bordering on boundaries solved gradually, pointing out that the state government is not weak in that aspect but working patiently to get the right thing done.
Earlier in their speeches, the Member representing Ukwa East State Constituency, Hon. Lewis Obianyi and Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, raised concern over the witty disposition of Akwa ibom people and the current guise to use the road construction project to take over their land, maintained that it is only a proactive measure from the state government can bring a lasting solution to the age-long problem.
They expressed optimism that Gov. Otti will settle the problem and usher in rapid development in the area.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Ukwa East L.G.A, Mr.
Chibunna Akara disclosed that Azumini – Ndoki and Akirika Obu communities’ issue is a matter of urgency as the people are living under the mercy of God.
He revealed that the threats from Akwa Ibom people has forced the contractors handling the Obingwa/ Akirika Obu road construction project to express their intentions of leaving the project site.
He said that his people are not against the ongoing project by the Akwa ibom State Government in Azumiri Ndoki, but they are afraid of the manner and the way the Akwa Ibom people are trying to draw Azumini into their state.
Also, a representative from Akirika Obu Ndoki, Barr. Okechukwu Nna, who went down the memory lane to recall how Akwa ibom state took over their primary school and the school which he attended in 1973, also expressed fears that Akwa ibom people have also devised plans to forcefully take over the community from Abia State, hence the urgent need to a rapid action from the government.
A representative of Azumiri Ndoki, Barr Fidelis Nnah also spoke, wondering if there exist a law that empowers Akwa ibom state to enter another state’s territory to revoke the land with certificate of occupancy and ask the inhabitants to come over to Uyo, the capital City of Akwa Ibom to get compensation.
