Anambra Boundary Committee Meets To Resolve Community Disputes
By Chioma Nwamah
The Anambra State Boundary Committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim, recently convened to assess its progress and also ratify resolutions on some boundary issues affecting a number of communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ibezim stressed the importance of peaceful resolution, noting that insecurity situation in society today is predominantly attributed to boundary disputes.
He warned communities to desist from resorting to self help by taking up arms in the bid to determine boundaries but to rely on lawful means of either approach the State Boundary Commission or go to court in other not to risk acquisitions of such lands by government in the interest of peace.
The Deputy Governor highlighted that the life of any individual is worth more than any expanse of land as far as government is concerned.
The committee encouraged speedy and consensus resolution of existing boundary issues to prevent miscreants and land grabbers from exploiting the situation.
Dr. Ibezim further warned that communities should desist from unilaterally placing unauthorized boundary signages, noting that this is capable of fanning crisis.
According to Dr Ibezim, such activities must be carried out by government agencies authorized by the law to do so.
Present at the meeting were representatives from 10 different communities, including Umudunu/Ifite Agbaja Abatete and Adazi, Ogidi, Osile Ogbunike, Amuche Nkwelle and Umuobam Umunya, Enugwu Agidi and Ukwulu.
Enugwu Agidi and Ukpo, in their vote of thanks to the committee, appealed for expeditious actions in terms of the establishment of boundary monuments in the affected areas as soon as possible and expressed hope for lasting peace among communities involved.
The committee members, in their various contributions further appreciated the communities for their cooperation and emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence, as well as the importance of creating awareness on issues of land ownership.
The meeting was attended by state Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu, the state Deputy Cheif of Protocol, Hon. Emmanuel Obieze, Permanent Secretary Dr. Florence Idigo-Ibenta, SSA on Boundary, Hon. Ekenechukwu Okoye, SSA Legal Barr. C.C Chukwudi, Surveyor General of the state Surv. Anthony Idigo, the state Director DSS representatives of the state attorney general, commissioner of police, comptroller Immigration as traditional institution was also represented by HRH Igwe P.N. Ezeamama of Enugwu Umuonyia and HRH Igwe S.I. Chidubem of Umumbo amongst other top government officials.
