… As Parties Set Limit For Road Construction
By Timothy Ekpo
IKA
Akwa Ibom and Abia State Governments have waded into the boundary dispute between Ikot Udo in Ika Local Government Area and Akrika Obu in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, as the National Boundary Commission (NBC) will determine the boundary.
The intervention was undertaken by the deputy governors of Akwa Ibom and Abia States, Senator Akon Eyakenyi and Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, on Wednesday at a peace meeting between the two states and stakeholders of the boundary communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Akwa Ibom government, Senator Eyakenyi, who is chairman of the State Boundary Committee, disclosed that Akwa Ibom government was constructing the road from the disputed point to Urua Inyang, while Abia government would do same to Obingwa.
Emphasizing the importance of peace, Senator Eyakenyi explained that it was impossible for development to thrive in an atmosphere of dispute, urging youths from both communities to pursue peace and self-development.
She particularly advised youths of Akwa Ibom extraction to take advantage of the various skills acquisition and empowerment initiatives of government to be meaningfully engaged than resort to boundary conflicts.
Eyakenyi commended Akwa Ibom governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D and his Abia State counterpart, Dr Alex Otti, for working in concert to ensure peace between the two states.
Commending the Nigerian Army for maintaining peace and security in both communities, Eyakenyi urged security agencies not to rest on their oars, stressing the need to ensure the road construction project is not interrupted.
She charged the contractors to expedite the construction process to ensure timely completion for the benefit of the communities.
Also speaking, Abia State deputy governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said the road will be constructed for prosperity and posterity sake, explaining that when completed, it would bring development to the people of both States.
Emetu urged the people of Ukwa East and Ika Local Government Areas to be peaceful while respecting the decisions of both state governments to advance the course of road construction.
He advised that they were not there to determine the boundary between the two states, as the responsibility of determining boundaries lies with the National Boundary Commission.
In their separate welcome remarks, the chairman of Ika Local Government Area, Barr. Utibe Nwoko and his counterpart from Ukwa East Local Government, Hon. Chibunna Akara, noted that the occasion provided a vital platform to meet, dialogue and chart a new course for the peaceful coexistence of the two neighbouring communities.
In his remarks, the commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Hassan Bello, said the role of the military is to provide an enabling environment for peace and development to thrive, enjoining both communities to eschew violence.
High points of the meeting were the agreement by both states to kick-start the road construction projects from the disputed point and stretch it into their respective hinterlands, as well as setting the limit which contractors must adhere to in the course of constructing the Ika/Ukwa East Road.
Present during the event were the member for Urue Offong/Oruko State Constituency, who doubles as chairman, House Committee on Boundary Matters, Rt. Hon. Precious Selong; commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Etukudo; chairman of Ika Local Government Council, Barr. Utibe Nwoko and his colleague from Ukwa East, Hon. Chibunna Akara;
Others were the surveyor general of Akwa Ibom, Surveyor Emmanuel Usoro; former attorney general of Akwa Ibom, Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN as well as officials of Abia State Government, Akwa Ibom State Boundary Committee, security chiefs, clerics, and traditional rulers.
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