Governor Ayade, Again Harps On Peaceful Coexistence Between Communities Of Cross River And Ebonyi States

EMMANUEL ULAYI

The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade, has again called on the boundary communities of Cross River and Ebonyi States to coexist together in a more harmonious way to ensure peace and to attract development to their people.

Speaking at the peace meeting organised by the Catholic Dioceses of Ogoja and Abakaliki in Abakaliki to bring lasting peace to the warring communities of both states on Monday, Prof Ben Ayade, who was represented by the State Security Adviser, Sir (Dr.) Alfred Mboto, stressed the importance of peace and the need for leaders of the communities to expose those who cause trouble rather than allowing the entire people to suffer the effect of war for the crime of few.

Ayade also appealed to the communities and their leaders to give maximum cooperation to the effort of the Rev. Fathers and leadership of the Catholic Church from both Dioceses to bring lasting peace and unity amongst the people of the two states, while strongly hoping that with God involved in the settlement this time, the protracted crises will be finally resolved amicably.

In his speech, the member representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, commended the leadership of the two Catholic Church Dioceses of Ogoja and Abakaliki for embarking on such proactive steps aimed at restoring peace in the affected communities of Cross River and Ebonyi States, adding that the meeting has actually unearthed the causes of the protracted crises.

Etaba, who also commended the State Governor, Prof Ayade and his Ebonyi State counterpart, Engr. Dave Umahi, who are working tirelessly to ensure peace amongst their people, equally called on the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to immediately carry out a clear boundary demarcation between Cross River and Ebonyi to avert further crises, loss of lives and properties and to ensure peace in the areas is resolved.

In his remarks, the immediate past Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Religious Matters, Reverend Father Bob Etta, maintained that it is satisfying that the Dioceses of Ogoja and Abakaliki have stepped into the boundary crisis between both states and assured the people that the Church will do everything to ensure that peace comes to all the communities involved in the crisis.

Rev Fr. Etta thanked the Governor of Cross River State for showing huge interest in ensuring that peace return to the warring communities of both sides.