In a bid to end the protracted boundary issues between the people of Isu community in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State and their neighboring Utuma/Ukwa clan, in Biase and Odukpani LGAs of Cross River State, some lawmakers from both Houses have met in Calabar the Cross River State capital, to find a lasting solution to the issue.
Speaking while welcoming the delegates in his office on Monday 16th March, 2020, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Evara Esu expressed delight on the visit as it was aimed at discussing peace.
Prof. Esu stated that since assuming his seat as the Deputy Governor, he has been able to chair the committee on boundary matters and thanked Abia State for being wonderful in their peaceful approach.
He maintained that Cross River is a peace loving State and has no reason to fight with Abians, stressing that his office will ensure there is an amicable resolution of the matter.
In his brief remark, the Speaker Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jones Williams explained that it will not be a good thing for lawmakers of both Houses to seat quiet and watch things go wrong hence the peace meeting.
According to the Speaker, the intervention of lawmakers of the two states, will help to bring the issue to an end.
He specifically thanked Hon. Dr. Mike Ukoha for convening the meeting and his efforts to ensure that dialogue between the two sides, is the way to go.
In his remark, the Deputy Speaker Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu, thanked the Deputy Governor, the Speaker and members of Cross River State House of Assembly, saying that the essence of the visit was to seek for ways to bring peace between Isu, Ukwa and Utuma clans.
Rt. Hon. Uchendu expressed satisfaction that the meeting will help to end the crises in the area.
Also speaking, the member representing Biase State Constituency, Hon. Ogbor Ogbor Udop emphasised on the need for everyone to live in peace, and called for a peaceful and positive deliberation.
Earlier, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu representing Bende North and Hon. Dr. Mike Ukoha representing Arochukwu, thanked the Deputy Governor, Speaker and members, saying that the need to bring peace in the affected areas is very important.
They stated that the peace will make both communities to live happily the way it has been many years ago.
At the end of the meeting, was the signing of a communique from both States on the way forward.
