Abia, Akwa Ibom officials seal peace deal, to continue road project between border towns
At peace deal between Abia and Akwa Ibom
UGOCHUKWU UGOJI-EKE, ABA
The Deputy Governors of Abia and Akwa Ibom states have jointly intervened to restore calm between the people of Akirika Obu in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State and their neighbours, Ikot Udo in Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, calling for sustained peace to ensure the uninterrupted execution of an ongoing road construction project in the area.
Speaking during a peace meeting held at Akirika Obu, the Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, urged residents of both communities to allow peace to prevail so that the road project could continue without disruption.
Engr. Emetu emphasized that the meeting was not convened to determine land ownership or settle boundary disputes, noting that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the National Boundary Commission.
He explained that the primary concern of both state governments is to ensure the successful completion of the road project for the benefit of the people.
Emetu said, “We are not here to claim boundaries. We are not the National Boundary Commission, our concern is that this road construction continues smoothly because once the road is tarred, development and prosperity will follow”.
The Abia Deputy Governor disclosed that both Abia and Akwa Ibom State Governments have approved the construction of the road from their respective ends, adding that the Abia and Akwa Ibom sections will meet at the disputed area, pending official demarcation by the National Boundary Commission.
He appealed to the communities to embrace peaceful coexistence, reminding them of their long-standing social and cultural ties.
The Abia deputy governor then asked, “You intermarry and live together; why should you fight and kill yourselves over a piece of land you will one day leave?”
Engr. Emetu commended the security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace and warned troublemakers to desist from any actions capable of disrupting harmony, assuring that both state governments would no longer tolerate acts that threaten peace and development in the region
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator (Dr.) Akon Etim Eyakenyi, called on all stakeholders and community members to embrace peace and allow the road construction project to proceed unhindered.
She stressed that meaningful development cannot occur without good road infrastructure, noting that the intervention of both governments was driven solely by the need to promote peace, progress, and shared prosperity..
Senator Eyakenyi further commended the Governors of Abia and Akwa Ibom States for their commitment to development and inter-state cooperation, describing their efforts as laudable and people-oriented.
In his remarks, the Commander of the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Abia State, Brigadier General Hassan M. Bello, explained that the presence of the military in the area was strictly to ensure security and create an enabling environment for peaceful dialogue.
He downplayed the boundary dispute, emphasizing that the affected communities share common cultural heritage and family ties.
Gen. Bello said that the Nigerian Army was not deployed to determine boundaries but to support and enforce resolutions peacefully reached by constituted authorities.
He warned that any attempt to disrupt the peace or undermine agreed outcomes would be decisively addressed, noting that the Chief of Army Staff fully supports the peace process.
Gen. Bello urged all parties to cooperate, respect constituted authority, and recognize the road project as a shared developmental asset that will benefit all, regardless of any future boundary demarcations.
In their separate remarks, the Mayor of Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, Chief Chibunna Akara, and his Ika Local Government Area counterpart in Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Utibe Nwoko, implored all stakeholders to give peace a genuine chance so that development can thrive in the area.
They appealed to their respective communities to support and allow the ongoing road construction to continue unhindered, stressing that the project is for the collective benefit of all and should not be disrupted.
