Abia state government has assured people of Ukwa-East Local Government Area (LGA) of government protection from their fears of evasion and forceful acquisition of their lands by Akwa Ibom state.
The Deputy Governor of Abia state, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu disclosed this in government house Umuahia recently, while receiving a delegation from Ukwa-East LGA, who brought the issue bordering on boundaries between Azumini Ndoki, Akirika-Obu communities and their Akwa-Ibom State bordering neighbours, assured them that their lands would not be ceded to Akwa-Ibom state.
Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Deputy Governor, Abia State.
Emetu encouraged them not to be afraid, reminding them of the existing Supreme court judgements that had existed when the State was in Imo state.
He promised them of Security presence at Obingwa/Akirika-Obu, adding that he would continue to dialogue with the Akwa-Ibom state government on how to peacefully resolve the boundary issue, as the State Chairman of Boundary Committee.
Emetu maintained that the fears arising from the road construction which runs from Ikot Esu-Otomo in Ika LGA of Akwa-Ibom State into Uzonta road in Azumini Ndoki community, Ukwa-East LGA of Abia State, will also be handled by the government.
He said that the state government under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti will get all issues bordering on boundaries resolved gradually, pointing out that the state government is not weak in that aspect but working patiently to get the right thing done.
Earlier in his remarks, the Member representing Ukwa-East State Constituency, Hon. Lewis Obianyi and Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, raised concern over the witty disposition of Akwa-Ibom people and the current guise to use the road construction project to take over their land, maintained that it is only a proactive measure from the state government can bring a lasting solution to the age-long problem.
They expressed optimism that Gov. Otti will settle the problem and usher in rapid development in the area.
Contributing, the Mayor of Ukwa East L.G.A, Mr.
Chibunna Akara disclosed that Azumini – Ndoki and Akirika Obu communities issue is a matter of urgency as the people are living under the mercy of God.
He revealed that the threats from Akwa-Ibom people has forced the contractors handling the Obingwa/Akirika-Obu road construction project to express their intentions of leaving the project site.
He said that his people are not against the ongoing project by the Akwa ibom State Government in Azumiri Ndoki, but they are afraid of the manner and the way the Akwa-Ibom people are trying to draw Azumini into their state.
Also, a representative from Akirika Obu Ndoki, Barr. Okechukwu Nna, who went down the memory lane to recall how Akwa-Ibom state took over their primary school and the school which he attended in 1973, also expressed fears that Akwa ibom people have also devised plans to forcefully take over the community from Abia State, hence, the urgent need to a rapid action from the government.
Meanwhile, a community leader from Azumini Ndoki, Barr. Fidelis Nnah, wondered which law empowers Akwa-Ibom state to enter another state’s territory to revoke the land with certificate of occupancy and ask the inhabitants to come over to Uyo, the capital City of Akwa Ibom to get compensation.
He urged Abia State Government to take urgent steps to correct those anomalies.
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