Akwa Ibom seeks help over border dispute

The Akwa Ibom government has pleaded with the Federal Government to retool the National Boundary Commission (NBC) financially to address critical border disputes, especially the one involving it and neighbouring Abia State. Deputy Governor Moses Ekpo made the appeal after a consultative meeting at the weekend in Umuahia.

A statement by his press secretary, Ekikere Umoh, quoted the deputy governor as saying the call became imperative following the needless lives being lost to the crises. He noted that besides the acrimony among relatives, a feud of this nature goes with job losses amid insecurity and negative effect on agricultural production.

In the face of paucity of funds engendered by falling oil prices in this COVID-19 era, Ekpo, who chairs the State Boundary Committee, submitted that the regions could no longer intervene in issues that fall entirely within the purview of the Federal Government.

In the alternative, he suggested the establishment of viable industries in the beleaguered settlements to check restiveness and provide sources of livelihood for the people.

The deputy governor pledged his state’s support for every move geared at alleviating the anguish of the citizens and ending the impasse.NBC’s Director-General, Adamu Adaji, regretted the raging misunderstanding, promising that the commission would hasten reconciliation between the two sister states. He urged the implementation of the 2013 report of the Technical Committee.

MEANWHILE, Governor Udom Emmanuel has approved a low-key celebration as the state clocks 33 on September 23 in the face of the prevailing health crisis globally.

The information was contained in a statement at the weekend in Uyo by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman of the COVID-19 Management Committee, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem. He stated: “There should be no public gatherings to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the creation of our dear Akwa Ibom State on September 23, 2020.”

“This directive is in response to the difficulty that can be experienced in enforcing compliance with AKSG/NCDC/WHO COVID-19 guidelines and protocols during big statewide celebrations. This decision is taken in the interest of public health and safety of the citizens of Akwa Ibom State. The health, lives and wellbeing of Akwa Ibomites must be prioritised over any celebrations.”

The governor charged the people to reflect deeply on the struggle for statehood, urging participation in worthy causes that could positively transform Akwa Ibom.