The Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu has reiterated the peaceful disposition of the state in handling issues affecting boundary matters.
Speaking during a meeting held respectively at Ika local government area of Akwa Ibom state and in Akirika Obu in Ukwa East local government area of the state, Engr. Emetu pointed out that the interstate boundary dispute between Ikot Udo In Akwa Ibom state and Akirika Obu in Ukwa East local government area of Abia State would be amicably resolved by the boundary commission at the due time.
He maintained that the construction of the abandoned 12.6 Kilometres Ohanze – Ntighauzu – Obete – Umuoha – Oberete – Akirika Obu road was not aimed at land grabber but for the development of the area .
He recalled that recently about six months ago the Akwa Ibom state government awarded a road project coming through Akwa ibom area through the Azumiri axis to Aba and the state that is very open and understanding allowed the project, encouraging the agitating Ukwa East community not to disrupt the development coming their way but to allow the project to continue.
He also recalled a road project also done by a former governor of Akwa Ibom state who is also the present Senate president of Nigeria and how Abia State welcomed it, depicting the friendly and appreciative nature of Abians who appreciated the magnanimity of their Akwa Ibom people.
His words, “Let us imbibe the concept of peace, let us embrace peace. Let no one remove any signboard, we should be patient to leave those signboard till the government has been able to determine where the boundary would be through the help of the National Boundary Commission.
“We intermarry and we have in-laws at both side of the state so we beg you for peace. Concerning that very road I have already agreed with my counterpart from Akwa Ibom state, that she should discuss with her boss, the governor of Akwa Ibom state who is unavoidaby absent concerning our plans to do the road. At least the Governor should be aware of our agreement here that we would start our road from the Abia axis. I believe that within a space of one to two weeks both governors will be able to communicate properly and we can determine how and where this road project will end”, Emetu passionately appealed.
He enjoined the people to maintain peace until a long lasting solution is proffered to the boundary issue, adding also that when the project is completed that it will be beneficial to all, both the citizens of Abia State and their Akwa Ibom state brothers.
In her speech, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi expressed optimism that peace would return to the affected communities after the meeting, warning that the land will remain when all will return to God and no one will travel to eternity with the land.
She appreciated the peaceful disposition of Engr. Emetu, pointing out also that her boss, the governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno promotes and cherishes rural development, through his massive rural roads, hospitals and schools, farm development and small business enterprises.
She maintained that Abia and Akwa Ibom states are brothers and sisters and nothing will come again or stand in-between them in the guise of boundary dispute.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of Ika local government area of Akwa Ibom stat, Hon Barr.Utibe Nwoko said the two deputy governors are aware of the concerns raised by the ongoing road construction work in both boundaries and the efforts made to see the deputy governor, birthed the meeting of their Deputy Governor and Engr. Emetu of and of Abia State.
According to him, their nission today is to inform us from Ika and our brothers of Ukwa the position of the two government’s regarding these road constructions.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Ukwa East local government area of Abia State Mr. Chibunna Akara, said the meeting was designed to let the people of Ika and Akirika Obu that, “we are one brothers there is nothing to fight about” .
Akara who sued for peace, pointed out that there is no need for panic about the projects which was conceived to better the area and warned that chasing away the contractors out of the site will not go well with the people as they will remain the affected and the one to suffer.
