… Assures Of Govt Commitment For Peaceful Resolution
By Timothy Ekpo
IKA
The Akwa Ibom deputy governor has appealed to Ikot Udo community in Ika Local Government Area and Ukwa community in Abia State to remain calm, while government explores viable options to resolve the boundary crisis between them.
The chairman, State Boundary Committee (SBC), Senator Akon Eyakenyi, made the appeal when she visited Ikot Udo community following a recent surge of conflicts arising from a road construction by Abia State Government, into Ikot Udo Village in Ika Local Government Area.
Addressing leaders and members of Ika alongside a delegation from neighbouring Abia State, led by their deputy governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, at Government Primary School, Ikot Udo village, Eyakenyi said the boundary crisis between the two States, was being considered by the National Boundary Commission (NBC).
She expressed optimism that there would be an amicable resolution to delineate the proper boundary between the two states, saying, “We’re here for a purpose, and the purpose is to preach the good gospel of development, peace, and unity.
“In Akwa Ibom State, the governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, is known as a peace-loving leader who goes out of his way to pursue the cause of peace and the development of the rural sector through infrastructure, healthcare, and education.”
Eyakenyi commented on the urgency of addressing the conflict, saying “the people in the rural communities commit their votes to us towards these dividends. When we heard about the crisis between the communities over road construction, my colleague and I agreed to come here today to appeal for peace.”
She disclosed that it was proposed that construction should begin from the Abia State axis, allowing both governments adequate time to resolve the matter.
“If the Akwa Ibom State Government decides that Abia State Government can go ahead with the construction to link both communities, but not claim ownership of the land, or to end the construction on its own axis, it will be communicated to you,” she assured.
Lamenting the long-standing disputes that have led to regrettable casualties, she confirmed, “The case is in court, and the NBC has intervened to propose a final field tracing to determine the correct boundary”, and, therefore, sued for peace between the two communities as killing each other would not resolve the issue.
In his remarks, the Abia State deputy governor, Engr. Emetu, echoed the need for peace and made emphasis on the need for mutual respect and cooperation between the two communities.
He underscored the idea that development should be embraced for the benefit of all, saying, “As a people, let us remember we are first of all, Nigerians. People cross borders, even internationally. Borderlines are meant for administrative purposes only. Development should always come first.
“The Abia State Government is building a road into the Akwa Ibom area. It is not trying to displace anybody. It’s just development,” he said.
In his welcome remarks, the chairman of Ika Local Government Area, Barr. Utibe Nwoko, stated that the people of Ikot Udo Ika were peace-loving citizens of Akwa Ibom.
He stated that they were satisfied with the developmental agenda of the Akwa Ibom government, reiterating his people’s request that the road construction from Abia State government be halted.
The community submitted a written report read by Elder Sunday Elijah Oyomete PhD, to officials of both States.
On the deputy governor’s entourage were the commissioner for Internal Security and Inland Water Ways, as well as those of Lands, and Women Affairs and Social Welfare, General Koko Essien (rtd), Captain Iniobong Ekong (rtd) and Mrs. Inibehe Silas.
Others were the State Surveyor-General, Mrs. Emem Isang; Special assistant on Boundary Matters, Elder Okokon Ufi; permanent secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Joseph Esidem, among others.
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