By Agency Reporter
The Government of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States have expressed concern at the delay in demarcating the boundary between the two (Itu/Odukpani) by the National Boundary Commission Abuja.
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ivara Ejemot Esu, OFR, and his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Obong Moses Ekpo, MFR, made their feelings known at a 3 days meeting of officials of Akwa Ibom/Cross River Interstate Boundary held at Uyo Akwa Ibom State capital recently.
The Deputy Governor, Professor Esu said, the exercise which has lingered for so long has given room for the escalation of the fight between the two areas of Odukpani and Itu which has led to destruction of lives and property.
He pointed out that the NBC should carry out physical demarcation on ground at the boundary points.
While calling on the Federal Government to expedite actions, Professor Esu and his counterpart, Obong Moses Ekpo called on the Federal Government to establish projects such as fishing industry to benefit the people, in addition to the establishment of either a Military or Naval base to ensure maintenance of security cover to the affected Communities.
On his part the Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Obong Moses Ekpo stressed the need for the Federal Government to construct the Calabar – Itu – Road to ease movement of goods and services to enhance integration between the people.
In a communique read by the Acting Director General, National Boundary Commission Mr. Adamu Adaji as signed by the two Deputy Governors and the Acting Director General of NBC, the meeting resolved that, the field exercise for the permanent demarcation will commence with the identification of the boundary points for documentation from November 11th to December 10th, 2019.
It also adds that, the two States Surveyor General will endeavor to meet and strategize on the best ways to ensure the success of the demarcation exercise before the commencement date of November 2019 and communicate same to the Surveyor General of the Federation.
The members agreed that the Surveyor General of the Federation shall award the contract for the emplacement of the boundary pillars immediately after the identification of the points among others.
That the Surveyor General of the Federation shall be in regular communication with Surveyor General of both States to ensure that the exercise is accomplished.
That the National Boundary Commission shall monitor the preparedness of the States and ensure that all necessary arrangements are made.
That the two States shall provide their respective contingents on the Joint Field Team, the required logistics support to ensure their uninterrupted participation in the demarcation work.
That the two States shall continuously reach out to the affected Communities through the relevant Local Government Councils and the Traditional Institute on the need to maintain peace in the affected areas.