Abia State Deputy Governor, Engineer Ikechukwu Emetu has stressed the determination of the present administration to ensure that the State inter and intra State boundaries disputes are resolved and brought to an end.
Engineer Ikechukwu who stated this during a crucial meeting he held with Members of the State Boundary Committee and Stakeholders on boundary matters at the Government House Umuahia.
He noted that conflicts along the boundary line has led to loss of lives and properties as well as retarded meaningful development in the State and beyond.
The Deputy Governor used the occasion to call for cooperation from MDAS and Stakeholders involved in boundary matters to help stem the tide of boundary disputes in the State especially during this farming season.
Engineer Emetu who is the Chairman of State Boundary Committee urged the Team to open up on why boundary issues with neighboring States cannot be resolved and why the National Boundary Commission have not been able to muster enough courage to tackle the crisis permanently and assured that Government will render the necessary assistance to ensure that peace is restored along the State Boundary lines.
He pointed out that boundary disputes / conflicts create unpleasant consequences and has led to loss of farm lands and economic crops as well as displacement of people from their original homes, hence the need for the Team to work in synergy and come up with a permanent solution to the lingering internal and external boundary issues.
In their remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Political, Office of the SSG, Mr Franklin Onyema and the State Surveyor General, Mr. Ivonye who disclosed that the State has boundary issues with seven States and several internal boundary problems yet to be resolved as a result of several handicaps ranging from logistics, lack of operational vehicles and materials to work with and appealed for assistance from Govt to enable them function optimally.
Key officials from the MDAS made presentations to the Deputy Governor during the meeting attended by Top Govt Officials.
