The governments of Anambra and Abia states have vowed to engage peaceful resolution principles to address the lingering interstate boundary disputes between the sister states.
The officials of both states, the National Boundary Commission (NBC), traditional rulers and other stakeholders held a joint meeting to chart a way forward to resolving boundaries issues in Awka on Thursday.
The state Deputy Governor, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, who is also the Chairman of the Anambra State Boundary Committee reaffirmed the stae government commitment to resolving the disputes constitutionally.
The deputy governor was represented by Mr Ekenechukwu Okoye, Senior Special Assistant to Gov Charles Soludo on Boundary Matters,
Ibezim said the state was willing to use dialogue and adherence to established legal procedures in handling the disputes.
He noted that boundary issues, if not well handled, affected the lives, identity, and livelihoods of the people and therefore required sincerity, fairness, and professionalism to achieve a lasting solution.
The deputy governor expressed optimism that the outstanding issues would soon be resolved and acknowledged that differing opinions remained among stakeholders. He maintained confidence in the review process being coordinated by the National Boundary Commission (NBC).
“Inside every committee, there will naturally be dissenting opinions, both for and against. It is the responsibility of the Commission and the relevant technical teams to review all submissions,” he said.
According to him, the resolution principles and timelines are not within my prerogative to set; they lie with the commission.
“However, we are hopeful that, within their budgetary provisions and other ancillary considerations, the matter will be resolved, possibly within this administration.”
Earlier, Director-General of the NBC, Mr Adamu Adaji commended both governments for sustaining peaceful engagement over the years.
He disclosed that out of the 23-kilometre common boundary shared by both states, about 15 kilometres had already been jointly traced and provisionally demarcated, while efforts were ongoing to resolve the remaining eight-kilometre stretch.
According to him, the Commission remains committed to providing the technical and institutional support required to conclude the exercise in line with historical records, legal instruments, and established procedures.
Representing the Abia State Government, Mr Chijioke Nwankwo, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, described the meeting as another opportunity to strengthen the bond of peace between the two sister states.
He applauded the NBC for sustaining dialogue and praised both governments for demonstrating the spirit of peace throughout the negotiation process.
“As neighbours, we may be separated by administrative boundaries, but we share the same ancestry, culture, and common aspirations. “The monuments we erect should become symbols of peace and not division,” he said.
The meeting featured extensive deliberations on reports presented by the Joint Technical Committee, mediation sessions among stakeholder.
Also presented was the review of recommendations aimed at resolving the outstanding eight-kilometre section of the interstate boundary.
The officials endorsed and signed a communiqué reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and accelerated completion of the boundary delineation exercise.
The team renewed assurances from both governments and the NBC to sustain collaboration towards achieving a fair, enduring, and mutually acceptable resolution of the Abia-Anambra interstate boundary dispute.
The Traditional ruler of Ufuma, Igwe Peter Ezeamama advocated greater involvement of community leaders in resolving boundary disagreements before government intervention becomes necessary.
“We should allow community leaders to handle the boundary issues first. If they fail then the government can step in,” the royal father said.
