The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, has charged members of the state boundary committee to be professional in bringing lasting solutions to the internal and interstate boundary problems confronting the state.
Emetu, who gave the charge during a meeting he held with members of the committee on the various internal and interstate boundary problems, held at Government House, Umuahia, harped on the best approach for peace in border communities, especially during the current farming season.
He enjoined leaders and stakeholders of Ikwuano Local Government Area to make available to the government, all certified documents and Court judgments that would lead to finding solutions to the lingering boundary problem between the people of Ariam Elu-Elu and Ariam Osoigwe autonomous communities in Ikwuano and their Ikoro Okwom and Akara of Akwa Ibom State counterparts.
He said Governor Alex Otti has directed the affected communities of lkwuano to immediately liaise with their counterparts in Akwa Ibom to find out means of dousing tensions along their boundary areas until the National Boundary Commission can demarcate their boundaries.
Emetu, who is also the Chairman of the Abia State Boundary Committee, reiterated the present administration in its resolve to realise its mandate on food sufficiency and pointed out that the government was overhauling the agricultural sector to take advantage of its potential for an increased revenue base.
He reaffirmed that the state will always take bold steps in confronting challenges facing Abia and stressed the need for the military and security personnel drafted to secure border communities to remain neutral in matters concerning warring communities.
In their remarks, the Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, Osinachi Nwaka, the traditional ruler of Ugwuegbu autonomous community in Usaka, Eze Ambrose Nwagwu, lamented the boundary issues with their Akwa Ibom neighbours and appealed to the federal and state government to come to their rescue by ensuring food and adequate security in their land.