ABIA, AKWA IBOM DEPUTY GOVERNORS LEAD PEACE MEETING, COMMIT TO CONTINUED ROAD CONSTRUCTION AT INTER-STATE BOUNDARY COMMUNITIES

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, earlier today joined his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Senator (Dr.) Akon Etim Eyakenyi, at a high-level peace meeting between Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State and Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, reaffirming the commitment of both states to peace, cooperation, and uninterrupted infrastructural development.

Deputy Governor Emetu emphasized that the Abia State Government’s intervention was solely development-driven and not motivated by boundary claims or political considerations.
“We are not here to demarcate boundaries or lay claims to any land. Our focus is on development, and development must never be sacrificed on the altar of misunderstanding,” he stated.

He noted that boundary matters fall under the jurisdiction of states and federal institutions like the National Boundary Commission. He stressed that infrastructure development would unlock economic opportunities for all communities involved.

“Once this road is completed, prosperity will naturally follow. Infrastructure brings value, attracts investment, and improves the quality of life for our people, regardless of where boundaries may lie,” he added.

Engr. Emetu also disclosed that the Governors of Abia and Akwa Ibom States had personally consulted and resolved to pursue peace through dialogue, directing their deputies to ensure harmony and cooperation on the project.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator (Dr.) Akon Etim Eyakenyi, called on all stakeholders to embrace peace and allow the road construction to proceed without obstruction, describing the project as a shared asset for both states.

“There can be no meaningful development without peace, and there can be no peace where development is deliberately stalled. This road is for the benefit of our people, and it must be allowed to proceed,” Senator Eyakenyi said.

She commended the collaborative leadership of both administrations, emphasizing their commitment to unity, progress, and people-oriented governance.

“The Governors of Abia and Akwa Ibom States are united in their resolve for inter-state cooperation and people-centered development. Today’s meeting reflects leadership that prioritizes the welfare of citizens above all else,” she added.

Brigadier General Hassan M. Bello, Commander of the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Ohafia, clarified that the military’s presence was solely to provide security and facilitate peaceful dialogue. He emphasized that the Army was not involved in boundary determination but was there to support lawful resolutions by constituted authorities.

“Our role is to ensure security and create an enabling environment for dialogue. Any attempt to disrupt peace will be firmly addressed,” Gen. Bello warned.

In his speech, the Executive Chairman of Ika Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr.) Utibe Nwoko, described the meeting as a continuation of the peace process initiated in March 2025. He appealed for full protection of contractors to ensure uninterrupted road construction.

Similarly, Hon. Chibunna Akara, Mayor of Ukwa East LGA, reaffirmed his council’s commitment to peace, unity, and development, stressing that the gathering was not about boundary demarcation but about sustaining a road project that would benefit Nigerians.

The meeting held at Akirika Obu in Ukwa East, ended on a positive note as both states unanimously agreed that the road contractors from both sides would continue their construction from the disputed area to their various sections in order to uphold peace, protect contractors, and allow construction work to proceed unhindered, while leaving boundary-related matters to the appropriate constitutional authorities.

The event brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and key government officials from both states including; Prof Joel Ogbonna Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Sir Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, Commissioner for Environment; Navy Comdr McDonald Uba, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security; Surv. Prince Ikechukwu Nwankwo, Surveyor General of Abia State among others.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
January 21, 2026.