Government Dismisses Allegations, Insists Certified Map Guides Ogbuebulu Exercise

Government Dismisses Allegations, Insists Certified Map Guides Ogbuebulu Exercise

ABIA GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENTATION OF SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT ON OGBUEBULU LAND
The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the lawful implementation of the Supreme Court judgment concerning the Ogbuebulu land, following a petition submitted by individuals describing themselves as concerned citizens of Ndi Ebe Abam Autonomous Community.

In an official response issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor and the Abia State Boundary Committee, Government emphasized that the 1989 High Court judgment delivered in Umuahia in favour of Ndi Ebe Abam and subsequently affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on July 12, 2002 remains final, binding, and enforceable

According to the statement, the petition does not challenge the validity or finality of the apex court’s decision. Government therefore maintains that it has a constitutional obligation to facilitate its implementation, stressing that failure to enforce a subsisting Supreme Court judgment would amount to a breach of duty and a violation of the rule of law.

Deputy Governor’s Role Constitutional, Not Judicial Interference
The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, who chairs the Boundary Committee, is statutorily mandated to mediate boundary disputes, prevent communal conflict, and promote peaceful coexistence.

Government explained that his intervention followed longstanding petitions and complaints, particularly from Ndi Ojiugwo Abam, alleging encroachment beyond the Ogbuebulu land as defined by the court judgment. Officials noted that the prolonged delay in facilitating the judgment for over two decades contributed to rising tensions.

The administration stated that its objective remains clear: to lawfully implement the judgment, eliminate ambiguities on the ground, and forestall further conflict.
Certified Map Being Used for Field Exercise.

Addressing concerns about the mapping process, Government clarified that the map currently guiding the field tracing exercise is the certified true copy earlier presented by Ndi Ebe Abam Autonomous Community during litigation.

The same map, officials said, was reviewed and endorsed by representatives of both Ndi Ebe Abam and Ndi Ojiugwo Abam during consultative and sensitization meetings preceding the commencement of field operations.

Authorities dismissed claims that an altered or externally imposed map is being used, describing such allegations as misleading.
Professional Process Underway
Government further stated that the ongoing exercise is strictly a field tracing process conducted in accordance with professional surveying standards.

Officials explained that boundary demarcation and pillar placement will only occur after joint discussions and technical concurrence among surveyors representing all parties.

No permanent boundary markers, the statement added, will be installed without due process and professional consultation.

Consultations and Agreements
The Government disclosed that extensive consultations preceded the commencement of the exercise.

These included multiple conciliatory meetings with both autonomous communities, engagement with prominent Abam stakeholders, and formal visits to the traditional leadership of Ndi Ebe Abam.

These engagements culminated in a December 18, 2025 resolution in which both communities agreed to commence field tracing and boundary demarcation within the first quarter of 2026 in line with the court judgment.
Supreme Court Judgment Cannot Be Suspended
While acknowledging concerns raised about areas allegedly outside the scope of the original litigation, Government stressed that a Supreme Court judgment cannot be suspended on the basis of speculative claims or intended future litigation.

Officials maintained that any grievances outside the adjudicated land area remain subject to separate lawful processes and cannot invalidate or delay enforcement of a final court decision.
Commitment to Rule of Law
Reaffirming its position, the Abia State Government stated that:

The Supreme Court judgment must be implemented;
The ongoing field tracing exercise is lawful and transparent;
Boundary demarcation will follow due technical consultation; and
Government will uphold the rule of law in the interest of peace and development.

The administration called on all stakeholders to cooperate with constituted authorities and allow the process to proceed peacefully.

“The facilitation of this judgment is neither provocative nor prejudicial,” the statement concluded. “It is a necessary step toward certainty, closure, and lasting peace.”

The Government reiterated its commitment to justice, dialogue, harmony, and the peaceful enforcement of lawful judicial decisions.
Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
February 25, 2026

The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the lawful implementation of the Supreme Court judgment concerning the Ogbuebulu land, following a petition submitted by individuals describing themselves as concerned citizens of Ndi Ebe Abam Autonomous Community.

In an official response issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor and the Abia State Boundary Committee.

Government emphasized that the 1989 High Court judgment delivered in Umuahia in favour of Ndi Ebe Abam and subsequently affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on July 12, 2002 remains final, binding, and enforceable.

According to the statement, the petition does not challenge the validity or finality of the apex court’s decision. Government therefore maintains that it has a constitutional obligation to facilitate its implementation, stressing that failure to enforce a subsisting Supreme Court judgment would amount to a breach of duty and a violation of the rule of law.
Deputy Governor’s Role Constitutional, Not Judicial Interference

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, who chairs the Boundary Committee, is statutorily mandated to mediate boundary disputes, prevent communal conflict, and promote peaceful coexistence.

Government explained that his intervention followed longstanding petitions and complaints, particularly from Ndi Ojiugwo Abam, alleging encroachment beyond the Ogbuebulu land as defined by the court judgment. Officials noted that the prolonged delay in facilitating the judgment for over two decades contributed to rising tensions.

The administration stated that its objective remains clear: to lawfully implement the judgment, eliminate ambiguities on the ground, and forestall further conflict.
Certified Map Being Used for Field Exercise.

Government clarified that the map currently guiding the field tracing exercise is the certified true copy earlier presented by Ndi Ebe Abam Autonomous Community during litigation.

The same map, officials said, was reviewed and endorsed by representatives of both Ndi Ebe Abam and Ndi Ojiugwo Abam during consultative and sensitization meetings preceding the commencement of field operations.
Authorities dismissed claims that an altered or externally imposed map is being used, describing such allegations as misleading.

Government further stated that the ongoing exercise is strictly a field tracing process conducted in accordance with professional surveying standards.

Officials explained that boundary demarcation and pillar placement will only occur after joint discussions and technical concurrence among surveyors representing all parties.

No permanent boundary markers, the statement added, will be installed without due process and professional consultation.
Consultations and Agreements
The Government disclosed that extensive consultations preceded the commencement of the exercise.

These included multiple conciliatory meetings with both autonomous communities, engagement with prominent Abam stakeholders, and formal visits to the traditional leadership of Ndi Ebe Abam.

These engagements culminated in a December 18, 2025 resolution in which both communities agreed to commence field tracing and boundary demarcation within the first quarter of 2026 in line with the court judgment

Supreme Court Judgment Cannot Be Suspended
While acknowledging concerns raised about areas allegedly outside the scope of the original litigation, Government stressed that a Supreme Court judgment cannot be suspended on the basis of speculative claims or intended future litigation.

Officials maintained that any grievances outside the adjudicated land area remain subject to separate lawful processes and cannot invalidate or delay enforcement of a final court decision.
Commitment to Rule of Law
Reaffirming its position, the Abia State Government stated that:
The Supreme Court judgment must be implemented;

The ongoing field tracing exercise is lawful and transparent;
Boundary demarcation will follow due technical consultation; and
Government will uphold the rule of law in the interest of peace and development.

The administration called on all stakeholders to cooperate with constituted authorities and allow the process to proceed peacefully.

“The facilitation of this judgment is neither provocative nor prejudicial,” the statement concluded. “It is a necessary step toward certainty, closure, and lasting peace.”

The Government reiterated its commitment to justice, dialogue, harmony, and the peaceful enforcement of lawful judicial decisions.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
February 25, 2026