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Inter-state Boundary Resolution: NBC Calls For Peace And Progress
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.
News
Musawa Seeks Broader Significance for June 12
Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., says June 12 must be remembered as a sacrifice that gave Nigerians democracy, beyond its status as a public holiday.
In a statement signed on Saturday by the Senior Assistant Media & Publicity to the Honourable Minister,Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze Ph.D in Abuja.
Musawa stated this at the national premiere of “MKO”, a film on Chief Moshood Abiola, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
She said 33 years after June 12, 1993, many young Nigerians know it only as a holiday, but the film turns it back into memory.
“For too many young Nigerians, June 12 is simply a public holiday. This film tells them that our democracy did not arrive by chance. It was fought for. It was defended. It was paid for. This documentary is in honour of the heroes of June 12, the men and women who gave their lives for the mandate of June 12, 1993 and for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today,” the Minister said.
Musawa hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Host, for his participation in the June 12 struggle and paying the price in exile, adding that Nigeria’s creative industry will keep telling the story of its democracy with courage.
“Through film and the creative economy, Nigeria will preserve its history. A nation that forgets its past loses its way to the future. Nigeria has a story and our story deserves to be told,” she said.
Earlier, the director of the investigative documentary, Ose Oyamendan, said the film was in honour and memory of heroes who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.
“There was Hope ’93 and now there is Renewed Hope. There was a man who sacrificed his life so we may have democracy and there is a man who almost lost his life fighting for democracy who is now helping build a lasting democracy.
“There was a great man called Bashorun MKO Abiola and there is now another great man called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Democrats. Nationalists. Nation builders. Leaders of men and women. We must never forget our story. We must always honour and remember our heroes,” Oyamendan said.
Top government officials including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the wife of the President Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Femi Gbajabiamila, state Governors, members of the National Assembly, Ministers and other distinguished dignitaries attended the premiere.
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