by crossriverwatch admin
Cross River and Ebonyi State have resolved to settle their boundary feuds once and for all with the setting of a 26 man joint Governors’ committee.
This was contained in a five point communiqué signed by Cross River-Ebonyi State Joint Boundary Committee at the end of its meeting at Government House, Abakaliki.
They noted that both States have enjoyed a cordial relationship over the years and in the spirit, determined to douse tension along the disputed boundary areas of the two States and find lasting solutions to the problems affecting them, especially at Izzi/Yala, Abakaliki/Obubra, Ikwo/Obubra Ikwo/Adadama sections.
In the communiqué which was signed by the Governors of the two States and their Attorney Generals and read by the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, both states resolved that the committee must ensure that they maintain peace and order in the affected areas. “That we commend efforts of the security agencies in maintaining of peace and order in these areas and encourage them to sustain same”, it stated.
“That the existing peace committees at various levels should continue to meet and work towards the sustenance of peace in the affected areas. “That a 26 man joint Governors’ committee be set up for all the contentious sectors to dialogue with the communities concerned and sustainable solutions to all the disputed areas.
“That the joint committee is mandated to submit its report to the two Governor’s on November 30. They are jointly headed by the deputy Governors’ of the two States”, it explained.
Speaking earlier, Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, described boundary as imaginary line created by man for Administrative conveniences which has erroneously led to war.
Imoke disclosed that every challenge along border brings about economic hardship and as such renders the areas underdeveloped and commended the efforts of the stake holders at the meeting to ensure there is peace.
He said he was satisfied with the way the issue was treated with respect for one another as a people with one destination which translated in their commitment to ensure there is peace and no more bloodshed and no more war.
The governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi noted that in the past seven years, there has been regular reports of flash points along the borders which result to maiming and looting as well as displacement of people and destruction of property.
Elechi explained that it was painful because the two Governors come from one of the four feuding local Government areas of Abi and Ikwo, stressing that both areas were one in the same Ogoja and Abakaliki provinces respectively.
He said he was bold to say both are not at war as at times brothers do fight themselves and wished it should not result to war, adding that “we are all here assuming that we mean business and this must stop. We have resolved that everything humanly possible will be done to return to peace”, he assured.
It will be recalled that boundary disputes between the two states have often resulted into incessant communal wars that have claimed scored of lives and properties over the years.
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