ABBA, UKPO UKWULU LAND DISPUTE: ANAMBRA DEPUTY GOVERNOR VISITS , APPEALS FOR CALM

 Abba, Ukpo, Ukwulu Land Dispute: Anambra Deputy Governor Visits, Appeals for Calm 

By Vincent O Ezechukwu 

The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim on Monday, January 30, 2023, paid an unannounced visit to the disputed expanse of land that has pitched Abba, Ukpo and Ukwulu against each other for decades.

Mr Deputy Governor who is the chairman of the State Boundary Committee, during the visit stated that the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has charged the committee to be proactive in land dispute to avoid escalation that may lead to destruction of properties or even loss of lives. He pleaded for calm while the committee expedite action toward achieving a permanent resolution of the issue in question. 

Dr Ibezim explained that" our government is not the type that sits in the office and waits for reports, we came to see things for ourselves to have a first-hand assessment of the situation to avoid escalation." 

He also cautioned that communities should avoid actions that can result to land conflicts and as it is capable of jeopardizing development in such areas. He thereby called for calm among the agitating communities.

While addressing the people, he noted that the committee have settled so many other land disputes that have some lingered for more than a century, stressing that the Abba/Ukpo/Ukwulu dispute will not be an exception, given the conflict resolution strategies himself and his technical team deploys on the job.

Dr Ibezim also emphasized that the state government is poised and very ready to strictly adhere to available court judgments and other judicial decisions in resolutions of boundary disputes. 

Joining on the visit is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Hon. Ekenechukwu Okoye among other members of the Boundary Committee.