Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has said that the State Government is doing everything possible to ensure that all inter-state boundary disputes affecting communities in the state were permanently resolved.
Nwifuru said this on Saturday during a campaign rally for the re-election of the Chairman of the council, Chief Emmanuel Aja, held at Isiaka, the Headquarters of Ivo Local Government Area .
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Mrs Patricia Obila, said that the government was collaborating with the National Boundaries Commission (NBC) and other relevant bodies to ensure that border communities in the state enjoyed permanent peace.
He regretted that some communities in Ivo had been embroiled in boundary disputes with their neighbouring communities in Abia.
He expressed optimism that all the boundary-related disputes in the state would soon be a thing of past.
Nwifuru said: “Our duty as a government is to ensure that there is peace in every part of the state.
“I’m aware that Ivo people have some problems in some areas, let me assure you that we are not sleeping.
“We have contacted the NBC and other relevant bodies involved in boundary matters.
“Soon, they will be here in Ebonyi to give you that very peace that you demand.”
The governor thanked the youths for being very peaceful and not engaging in fighting with their neighbours.
He also thanked the people of the area for being peaceful during the nomination of APC candidates for the upcoming council polls.
He implored them to sustain the peace during and after the exercise.
He also called on those who were aggrieved to close ranks with the party and its candidate to usher the party to victory at the election.
“We couldn’t have come this far without your cooperation had it been that we had some rancour during the primary election.
“It wouldn’t have been easy. I want to thank you for your understanding and assure you that government will always be there for you,” Nwifuru said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening good governance at the grassroots and emphasised the importance of credible and democratic elections in selecting leaders for grassroots administration.
In a speech, Aja lauded the governor for his people-oriented government and ensuring that peace and security prevailed in every part of the state.
He pledge to follow in the footsteps of the governor, if elected, promising to provide genuine and credible leadership for the people of the area.
“I’m appealing to everyone who feels agrieved to forgive since peace is the only prerequisite for development and there cannot be development without peace.
“I’m certain that with peace and collective effort, we will surely achieve victory at the poll,” Aja said.
The well-attended rally, attracted party chieftains and supporters, including the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Moses Odanwu, and state party Chairman, Stanley Okoro-Emegha, among others.
