Ebonyi, Cross River Set To Execute Joint Projects

By: Monday Uzor

 In their effort to cement bond of relationship and putting end to long term boundary disputes, Ebonyi and Cross River States today agree that they would embark on construction of  bridges and road to further cement the bond of brotherhood 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 undertook 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 ten point communique on the Bilateral meeting of officials of Cross River state and Ebonyi interstate boundary challenges held in Port Harcourt, River State  

    The 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. 

   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, anexing relevant legal documents, maps and comuniques of previous meetings within 30 days while arbitrarators including National Boundary Commission,  as third arbitrator would be appointed. 

  As part of the communique, both state government would carry out a diarmement of the combatants and thereafter grant amnesty to to those who Shall 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.