FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Government has declared it’s plan to set up six new cocoa estate and it’s intention of taking over unresolved land disputes by warring communities in Abia State.
The Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu made this known in his office at Government House, Umuahia, during the submission of evidence of claims and counterclaims to the boundary Committee by Amaba Oboro and Olokoro communities in Ikwuano amd Umuahia South local government areas respectively and their Lodu Ibeku counterpart in Umuahia North local government area.
He noted that the boundary Committee will critically look at the submissions and that any community that failed to abide by decision of the boundary Committee would have such disputed lands forfeited to government.
In his words, “the state government plans to set up six new cocoa estates across the state and would take over boundary areas where there are still cases of loss of lives and properties for the purposes”.
The Deputy Governor who is also the Chairman of the Boundary Committee, made it clear that Governor Otti’s administration has the political will to take decisions past government shielded away from taking and that the present government does not want the persistent perennial internal boundary crisis to continue, and would want to take a firm decision as she grappled with the boundary problems with sister states.
Engr. Emetu further reminded the communities that they are brothers and Abians, and that they should ensure truth in arguing the issues of ownership.
The Deputy Governor reiterated government’s neutrality in the boundary crisis and directed the traditional rulers of the affected communities to remain law abiding and respect the rule of law as well as to remember that all will one day die and abandon the struggle of ownership of the disputed areas.
Earlier, the Amaba Oboro Community representatives led by Eze Emmanuel Otuwa and the Secretary-General of Oboro Ikwuano, Sir Kingsley Nkume, presented their claims on the same disputed land and also gave brief history of the land.
Also, the Lodu Ndume Ibeku Community, led by Eze Ibe Aguiyi, presented their document/claims, including the judgement secured in their favour at the last Abia Assembly and court judgment.
Olokoro Community representatives led by Eze Linus Onuoha as well presented documents to the Committee.
Some notable individuals that were part of the meeting included Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Cmdr MacDonald Uba, Solicitor General of the State, Paul Ogubunka, Surveyor General of Abia State, Abaraonye NKC, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Godwin Okezue, Representatives of DSS and the Police Command Abia State, leaders from the communities among others.
Signed
Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent
Deputy Governors office
