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Inter-state Boundary Resolution: NBC Calls For Peace And Progress

Published

3 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) Surv. Adamu Adaji has called for peace and progress in the resolution of interstate between Abia and Akwa Ibom States.

Adaji made this call at a Stakeholders meeting on the Abia/Akwa Ibom interstate boundary resolution held in Abuja.

The meeting underscores the Commission’s commitment to achieving a peaceful and definitive settlement.

“This meeting is a crucial step toward fostering understanding and cooperation between Abia and Akwa Ibom States,” the Director-General stated.

He acknowledged the complexities involved in resolving the decades long dispute, which has seen repeated interruptions due to local tensions and legal entanglements.

The Director-General highlighted the NBC’s determination to creating a harmonious solution, one that respects the historical and legal boundaries while prioritizing the safety and development of border communities.

The boundary dispute, rooted in the implementation of Decree 23 of 1985, has been marked by instances of hostility, waton destruction of lives and properties, and abductions, notably in regions where the field tracing exercise was stalled in 2014.

The Akwa Ibom State Boundary Committee expressed grave concerns over recent escalations, including fatal incidents affecting the Nkari people of Ini Local Government Area (LGA) and allegations of encroachment into farmlands in Obotme.

In her response, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, called for calm among affected communities, urging boundary community dwellers to avoid retaliatory actions whilst assuring them of ongoing efforts to resolve the matter peacefully.

The Akwa Ibom delegation presented a position paper outlining the state’s stance and a set of recommendations aimed at expediting the resolution process.

These recommendations include strict adherence to delimitation protocols and improved oversight of field team conduct to prevent further disruptions.

Echoing the call for decisive action, Engr Ikwechkwu Emetu, Deputy Governor of Abia State, expressed optimism for the meeting’s outcomes.

He addressed the lingering issues and called for the recovery of essential field documents lost over time, stressing the importance of these materials to accurately demarcate the boundary.

The Deputy Governor also highlighted the need for a distinct categorization of disputes, distinguishing genuine boundary claims from requests for boundary adjustments.

With both states aligning on the urgency of a resolution, the NBC is expected to facilitate constructive dialogue in line with recommendations from previous joint meetings.

The Director-General concluded his address by reaffirming NBC’s role as a neutral body committed to justice and fairness, pledging that the Commission will implement the findings of this meeting to end the dispute and foster lasting peace in the affected areas.

The outcome of the Abuja meeting will be pivotal, with all parties hopeful for an agreement that finally puts an end to decades of contention, allowing both Abia and Akwa Ibom States to move forward in unity and prosperity.

The meeting brought together key representatives from both states to address the persistent boundary dispute affecting Abia and Akwa Ibom communities.

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NTAC DG, Yakub Thumbs President Tinubu On Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Appointment

Published

7 hours ago

November 7, 2024

The Gleamer

…Say Her Appointment will boost President’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Joel Ajayi

Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps,Rt.Hon.Yusuf Buba Yakub has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Amb.Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu,a former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and spouse to the late Igbo leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu,as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Buba said the that, rich experience of the newly-appointed Minister in Diplomacy and global affairs would contribute immensely to enhancing the delivery of President Tinubu ‘s Renewed Hope Agenda at the Ministry.

In a statement made available via a letter of congratulations to the new Minister,which was released to his media handler in Abuja on Wednesday,the NTAC boss said Amb.Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s appointment by Mr.President was an eloquent testament to a capacity acquired over the years in so many areas of endeavour, and expressed the hope that she would leverage this capacity to make President Tinubu and those who have confidence in her proud.

The rest of the letter read: “Surely, Your Excellency, this new feather to your cap is an eloquent testament to your famed capacity as an outstanding Politician and Diplomat, who has made outstanding marks across the globe across time.

“While the whole world has continued to applaud the choice His Excellency, our dear President, has made in you, I have no doubt, whatsoever, that you will leverage your multi-sectoral experience, knowledge and global exposure to advance the realization of our nation’s Foreign Policy Objectives, especially, as enunciated in Mr. President’s 4-D Foreign Policy Initiatives.

“I wish to also use this medium to convey our enthusiastic commendations to Mr.President for this appointment,and again,for myself, my family and, indeed, on behalf of the Management and staff of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), which by the grace of God and the kind benevolence of His Excellency, Mr. President, I currently head, congratulate Your Excellency, the Honourable Minister, on this new national assignment.

“I also pray for the wisdom, health and the renewed strength for you to effectively contribute to the delivery of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

Amb.Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu was early in the week, alongside six other newly appointed Ministers,sworn into office by President Tinubu at the State House.

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