Ebonyi, Cross River Sign Agreement To End Boundary Disputes
By Joyce Onuora Abakaliki
Ebonyi and Cross River States have agreed to end hostilities arising from various border disputes between the two states and also agreed to embark on construction of bridges and roads to further cement the
bond of brotherhood.
A peace meeting which was convened and co-chaired by Governor David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi State and his Cross River state counterpart, Ben Ayade also resolved to end hostilities in their boundary areas.
While Ebonyi state government is to construct 600 metres bridge across Oferekpe River in Ikwo axis and 500 metres bridge at Ndibe Beach in Afikpo, Cross River state promised to compliment Ebonyi state by constructing 7.2km road to link up with the Federal high way coming in from Ogada in Cross River State to Oferekpe in Ebonyi state as well as 19km road linking Ndibe beach to Ugep or a 17km road linking Ndibe beach to Adim.
This is part of a 10 point communique on the Bilateral meeting of officials of Cross River state and Ebonyi interstate boundary challenges held in Port Harcourt, River State.
To achieve this, both state Governors directed the representatives of the disputed communities in attendance to return to their various communities and sensitize them on the way forward with a view to proffering solutions to the challenges at the disputed sectors.
They also resolved to that both state should submit a position paper on their boundary claims, annexing relevant legal documents, maps and communique of previous meetings within 30 days while arbitrators including National Boundary Commission, as third arbitrator would be appointed.
As part of the communique, both state government would carry out a disarmament of the combatants and thereafter grant amnesty to to those who willingly handover the dangerous weapons in their possession within a period of 90 days from 7th of August 2018.
The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State
Dr. Kelechi Igwe, traditional rulers and stakeholders from both sides.
