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The Deputy Governors of Enugu and Anambra States, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo
and Dr. Nkem Okeke have called on border communities of Ibite Olo in
Ezeagu local government area (Enugu) and Awba Ofemmili in Awka North
local government area (Anambra) to sheathe their swords and allow
peace reign in their areas.
The deputy governors, who gave the advice when they visited the two
neighboring communities over the lingering boundary crisis, noted the
imperative of peace in the areas for the enhancement of development
and other dividends of democracy.
They said that the matter has gone beyond the two states and called
for the swift intervention of the National Boundary Commission (NBC).
According to the Enugu Deputy Governor, “our coming here is to appeal
for peace before you people. You are all brothers. Remember that prior
to state creation, you people were in one state and state creation was
not to divide brothers but to enhance development. We, therefore,
appeal that both communities should maintain the status quo pending
the coming of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) for proper
demarcation of the boundary”.
Adding his voice, the Anambra State Deputy Governor while educating
the people of the communities on “earth’s ephemeral nature”, said:
“We all know that our earthly sojourn is just for a while, we can only
stay at most one hundred years, and none of us will carry land to the
grave. When we die, we are buried in the land and none of us was born
with land. Our fore-parents have died, still lands remain. So why
should we kill ourselves because of land?”
He also reminded them of the age long affinity between Enugu and
Anambra states, stressing: “Enugu and Anambra are brothers and
sisters. So, kindly eschew rancor and embrace peace until the NBC
comes for a lasting solution to the impasse”.
In his own submission, the Chairman of Ezeagu local government area,
Hon. Fred Ezinwa blamed the ugly incident on the inordinate ambition
of some individuals who according to him are fueling the crisis on
selfish grounds.
He maintained that the people of his council are peaceful, expressing
delight that this is the first time a deputy governor has visited the
area on a peace mission.
