*Adopts legislative agenda
The House of Representatives has
urged the governments of Abia and Ebonyi States to work with the National
Boundary Commission for an urgent resolution to the boundary dispute between
Ishiagu Ivo Local Government of Ebonyi State and Lokpanta Umunneochi Local
Government of Abia State, which has lead to communal clashes.
The resolution was sequel to a
motion by Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (PDP, Abia) in Abuja yesterday, who urged
the House to pressure the governments of both states to cooperate with relevant
government agencies to resolve the dispute.
Onyejeocha noted that the
communal clashes in the affected communities in the last few weeks have created
instability and fear, and has affected
economic activities of the residents.
“…There have been a resurgence of
armed hostilities leading to wanton destruction of property and economic
assets, heightened fears, looting. Release of stray bullets and physical
combat…Information from the national archives indicate that as of 1927, Ishiagu
and Obiagu Towns were ceded from the old Okigwe Division and were joined to the
old Afikpo Division,” she said.
The decision to cede the
communities was taken by the colonial authorities to establish an
administrative boundary between Ishiagu and Lokpanta at the railway station
which passed through the area, she explained.
“The area is rich in solid
mineral resources like quarry stones and different stones-crushing companies
are currently engaged by the two warring communities. Because of the lingering
crisis, the companies operations in the area are affected and highly
sub-optimal,” she added.
Citing media reports, Onyejeocha
lamented that women and children from Lokpanta cannot go to the farms anymore
for fear of molestation and rape.
The lawmaker urged the House to
mandate its committee on National Boundary Commission and the Surveyor General
of the Federation to effect a final resolution of the conflict by the
demarcation of the troubled spots.
The motion was overwhelmingly
passed by voice vote.
The House also adopted the
legislative agenda for the eighth assembly, following conclusion of debate
Tuesday. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara however
directed members who wished to contribute further to the agenda to contact the
secretariat.
The House resolved to mandate its
committee on works (when constituted) to liaise with the Federal Ministry of
Works to ensure the rehabilitation and construction works on the Enugu-Onitsha
expressed road.
It also directed its Committee on
Power (when constituted) to interface with the Benin Electricity Distribution
Company, and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on the failure to
supply electricity to Ilaje/Eseodo, Okitipupa/Irele and Odigbo/Ileoluji-Okeibo
Federal Constituencies of Ondo State.
Credit: Thisday
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