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 rancour 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 fuelling 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.
