FIC Report (Abia State) – The Deputy Governor of Abia State Engr Ikechukwu Emetu FNSE has appealed to the youths of Ika LGA in Akwa Ibom State and the youths in Ukwa East LGA in Abia state to leave violence and embrace peaceful co existence between them.
Engr Emetu who doubles as the boundary Committee Chairman of Abia state, stated this at a meeting with Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi at Akirika Obu noting that the purpose of the meeting is to find a final solution to the boundary dispute between both communities, which seem to have resurrected due to the road construction that is being done by Abia Government that links Ukwa east LGA in Abia State with Ika LGA in Akwa Ibom state.
The Deputy Governor having witnessed the unrestiveness that took place between the youths of Ika and Akirika Obu community Ukwa East local government in their presence made it known that the reason for their presence is not to grab land but to foster peace and development.
“We want to assure everybody that we have not come to grab land, we know that this area is a volatile area”. “There is no gain from violence.” “As a government we are very understanding and open to discussions” he added.
He informed them that there was no need for the violence and fights as it is the responsibility of the National Boundary Commission to do the demarcation and this will only happen when the Abia state and Akwa Ibom state government have agreed on their boundaries.
Engr Emetu noted that the road construction by Abia government will continue, but will start from Abia state Government land axis, with hope that by the time they get to the boundary in dispute the two government would have reached an agreement.
The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Dr Ako Eyakenyi in her speech also revealed that the purpose of the meeting is to preach the gospel of Peace, Unity and Development.
She noted that the purpose of asking the youths to sheath their sword is in order for them not to stop the infrastructural development that is coming to their community.
She finally made it known to them that it is the leaders of the two states and the National Boundary Commission that has the responsibility of demarcating boundaries and finding lasting solutions but however pointed out that in agreement with Engr Emetu the road construction will continue from Abia axis until both parties reach an agreement which she promised will be soonest.
The Chairman of Ika Local Government Area, Hon Bar Itibe Nwoko and the Chairman of Ukwa East Local government, Hon Sunday Oyomete earlier In their respective speeches noted that the reason for inviting both Deputy Governors to the meeting was for them to let the people know the position of the two government regarding the land disputes and road construction.
They noted that both Governors are understanding and Peace loving people and are confident that their coming into the matter will help resolve the matter amicably.
The meeting was well attended by top Government officials from Abia State and Akwa Ibom Government.
Signed
Amah Ijeoma.
FIC Deputy Governors Correspondent
17-03-2025
