Ogbuebulu Land Dispute: Abia Govt Pledges Fair Enforcement of Supreme Court Verdict

Ogbuebulu Land Dispute: Abia Govt Pledges Fair Enforcement of Supreme Court Verdict

The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, transparency and security in the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on the disputed Ogbuebulu land between Ndi Ebe and Ndi Ojiugwo Abam communities in Arochukwu Local Government Area.

The Supreme Court, in its 2002 judgment (IM/GA246/76), awarded rightful ownership of the Ogbuebulu land to Ndi Ebe. The administration of Governor Alex Otti has commenced steps to enforce the ruling, while Ndi Ojiugwo Abam has accepted the verdict in the interest of peace and development.

Addressing Ndi Ojiugwo people during a Save-Our-Soul march to the Government House in Umuahia, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, represented by the Director of Protocol (Political), Mr. Gideon Onwueyi, expressed concern over allegations that Ndi Ebe, beneficiaries of the judgment, were suppressing Ndi Ojiugwo despite their acceptance of the court’s decision.

Emetu described as unfortunate attempts to misrepresent the office of the Deputy Governor, stressing that the state government would ensure full enforcement of the judgment.

“It is a thing of joy that we have a clear-cut judgment. Though the judgment is not in favour of Ndi Ojiugwo Abam people, they have submitted to its lawful execution. The Abia State Government will not relent in ensuring full implementation,” he said.

The Deputy Governor noted that the judgment was delivered over two decades ago and urged both communities to support the present administration’s efforts to entrench lasting peace, unity and development in the area. He emphasized that maintaining peace falls within the statutory responsibilities of his office.

According to him, consultations had been held with both communities, culminating in an agreed date for boundary demarcation. He faulted what he termed public criticisms allegedly directed at the Deputy Governor’s office by some Ndi Ebe members after earlier consultations.

“It is improper for any party to agree during consultations and later publicly castigate the Deputy Governor’s office and, by extension, the office of the Executive Governor of Abia State,” he stated, while appealing to Ndi Ojiugwo to remain peaceful throughout the demarcation process.

Earlier, the President-General of Ndi Ojiugwo Abam, Mr. Ikwan Ebe Uka, alongside the Women Leader, Mrs. Chinyere Ume Obasi, and stakeholder Mr. Stephen Nwoke, alleged that their community had suffered arson attacks, loss of lives and destruction of farmlands and property. They urged the government to expedite the execution of the Supreme Court ruling to restore calm.

Meanwhile, Ndi Ebe had previously protested against the consultant handling the demarcation exercise. Responding, the government assured stakeholders of the consultant’s competence and integrity.

“Surveyor Chris Nwanevo is a registered surveyor and a seasoned professional. We are confident in his competence to carry out this assignment,” Emetu added.