The Akwa Ibom and Abia state governments have waded into the boundary dispute between Ikot Udo in Ika Local Govement Area and Akrika Obu in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.
The intervention was undertaken by the Deputy Governors of Akwa Ibom and Abia States, Senator (Dr) 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 State Government, Senator Eyakenyi, who is the Chairman of the State Boundary Committe disclosed that the State government was constructing the road from the disputed point to Urua Inyang while the Abia state 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 the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration, such as Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (Ibom LED) and the Dakadda Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) to make their lives more meaningful.
Senator Eyakenyi commended Governor Umo Eno, and his Abia State counterpart, Dr Alex Otti for working in harmony to ensure peace between the two states.
Commending the Nigerian Army for maintaining peace and security in both communities, she 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, the Deputy Governor of Abia state, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said the road would be constructed for prosperity and posterity sake, explaining that when completed, it will bring development to the people of both States.
Engr. Emetu urged the people of Ukwa East and Ika Local Government Areas to be peaceful while respecting the decisions of both state governments.
In their separate welcome remarks, the Chairman of Ika Local Government Area, Barr. Utibe Nwoko and his counterpart from Ukwa East Local Govement, 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 a remark, 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.
The highpoint of the meeting was the agreement by both states to kick start the road construction projects from the disputed point and stretch it into their respective hinterlands.
