Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has called on the National Assembly to revisit Decree 23 of 1985 on State Boundaries, in order to forestall lingering boundary crisis across the country.
Emetu argued that the Decree harbours a lot of ills against South East geopolitical zone.
He said:” Abia State calls for the revisit of the promulgation of decree 23 of 1985 on State Boundaries by the National Assembly to forestall lingering boundaries crisis across the country.
“That decree harbours a lot of ills against those of us from the South-Eastern States.
“It is grossly unacceptable for a group of people without considering cultural affinity, traditional and homogeneous nature of people, before ceding their lands and drawing boundary lines without due group of people without considering cultural affinity, traditional and homogeneous nature of people, before ceding their lands and drawing boundary lines without due consideration on varying critical factors, which evolved crisis, loss of lives.”
Speaking during a 2-day National Assembly Boundary Community Stakeholders interface on security and socio-economic management of State Boundaries in Nigeria at Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Centre, Abuja, Emetu decried the incessant boundary disputes in the South East following the said Decree.
He regretted that “no single interstate boundary in South East has been conclusively demarcated till date.”
Emetu noted that clearly defined and demarcated boundaries are essential for peaceful co-existence and cross border co-operation as well as the clarity of the limits of constituted authorities.
” This workshop will be a great opportunity to further unite our bounding Communities as one, right the wrongs of yester years, initiated by arbitrary demarcation by Colonial Masters, sustained by successive governments, heated by decree 23 of 1985 as we chart a new course”, he added.
The Deputy Governor according to a statement from his media team further noted that Abia shares boundaries with all states in South East plus Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River in South South.
The Deputy Governor said some boarder communities in Abia were still having issues with some of their neighbours due to the 1985 injustice.
“The National Boundary Commission in its operations over the years carried out different actions on each interstate boundaries involving Abia State as a result of which they are at different stages in resolution process.
“However, it is noted with grave concern that the pace of progress on each of the boundaries is not commensurate with efforts and expectations of both the state and the commission.
“It is worrisome that this unwholesome scenario has brewed a lot of mistrust from Bounding Communities involved in disputes.”
The Deputy Governor who called for peaceful resolution of boundary disputes, said no meaningful progress could be recorded in the country in the absence of peace.
“The socio-economic situation we face now in our Country demands urgent need for us to collaborate and live in harmony with our neighbours to enhance development.
” Let boundary lines be seen as opportunity to effective interaction (communication) and establishing bridges for understanding, mutual cooperation, growth and development.
“I strongly solicit that existing cooperation between the various border communities be encouraged by the Traditional rulers and the Local Government officials of states concerned.
“There is wisdom in maintaining status quo until boundary is fully determined. It is apparent usurpation of court function and contemptuous people because of selfish interest.
He reiterated the commitment of Abia Government to the resolution of boundary disputes, and solicited the help of the stakeholders in resolving boundary crisis involving some communities in the state.
“We solicit your kind support and intervention towards facilitating boundary determination and dispute resolution activities in Abia state and South-East geo-political zone in particular and the Nation in general.
” The Government and people of Abia State ably led by Dr. Alex Otto;will continue to accord issues of boundaries priority attention, so as to add defined interstate boundaries as part of our legacies.”
