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The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere with his Abia
counterpart, Rt. Hon. Ude Chukwu, have called on disputing communities of
Imo and Abia States over boundary claims to embrace dialogue with a view
to achieving a lasting peace.
The Deputy Governors of Imo and Abia States made the call had after
responding to a distress call over violent exchange between Uturu
autonomous community in Isuikwuato local government area of Abia State and
sister community, Ihube in Okigwe local government area of Imo State.
After bringing the disorderly disputants under control with the help of
security agencies, Prince Madumere called on the traditional rulers and
other community leaders of the communities to embrace peace and dialogue.
He reminded the natives of the communities involved of their ancestral
affinity, saying they ought to relate as brothers and sisters.
He emphasized that the creation of more States and communities, which
hitherto existed as one, were mainly for administrative convenience.
His words: “I am of the view that Imo and Abia States remain one people.
That we were divided is for administrative convenience. I believe that the
best approach to resolving this disagreement is to first embrace one
another as one. I also expect the traditional rulers here and other
community leaders to also initiate a peace move through dialogue. I
believe that if we wish to have a lasting peace, we must agree among
ourselves and that is the only bankable roadmap to sustainable peace.”
Speaking earlier, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Ude Chukwu
urged the disputing communities to come to the consciousness of the danger
of crises and ultimately the State of anarchy where progress and security
of lives and property may not be guaranteed.
In the same vein, he collaborated with Imo State Deputy Governor, Prince
Madumere that the best approach to finding lasting solution and peace must
be hinged on dialogue since no outsider can satisfactorily resolve their
differences.
He therefore urged the disputants to come together to discuss and come to
an agreeable boundary, on which National Boundary Commission can yield in
their final demarcation exercise.
Meanwhile, the Chairmen of the local government areas and the traditional
rulers from both sides spoke in affirmative, urging for the intervention
of the two governments.
Meanwhile, economic trees especially Cashew is said to be the major object
of contention.