The Abia State Government has assured the people of Ndi Ebe Abam and Ndi Ojiigwo Abam communities in Arochukwu LGA that it would be neutral and transparent in the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling on the disputed Ogbuebulu land.
The Supreme Court had in its 2002 judgment (IM/GA246/76) granted rightful ownership of the Ogbuebulu land to Ndi Ebe community, which the administration of Governor Alex Otti is currently implementing.
Addressing Ndi Ojiigwo people during a save-our-soul protest at the Government House in Umuahia, Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, expressed concern that Ndi Ebe, who benefited from the judgment, were allegedly suppressing Ndi Ojiigwo, who had accepted the ruling in good faith.
The deputy governor who was represented by the Director of Protocol (Political) in his office, Mr. Gideon Onwueyi, said, “It is a thing of joy that we have a clear-cut judgment. Though the judgment is not in favour of Ndi Ojiigwo Abam people, they have submitted to its lawful execution.
“The Abia State Government will not relent in ensuring full implementation.”
He noted that the judgment was delivered in 2002 and urged the communities to appreciate the efforts of Governor Alex Otti’s administration toward achieving lasting peace, progress, unity and development in the area.
Emetu maintained that sustaining peace falls within the statutory responsibilities of the Office of the Deputy Governor, and described media criticisms allegedly directed at the office by some Ndi Ebe members as unfortunate and embarrassing.
Earlier in his message during their march at Government House, the President-General of Ndi Ojiugwo Abam, Mr. Ikwan Ebe Uka, and the Women Leader, Mrs Chinyere Ume Obasi, alleged that their community had suffered acts of arson and attacks, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of farmlands and damage to property.
They appealed to the government to expedite the execution of the Supreme Court ruling to ensure a peaceful environment.
Land dispute: Abia Govt promises neutrality in execution of Supreme Court judgment
