From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Some communities in Ndoki Clan in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State have cried to Governor Alex Otti over alleged encroachment on their lands by their Akwa Ibom neighbours.
President General of the Board of Trustees of Ndoki Community Development Union (NCDU), Chief Sunday Uche Aja revealed the predicament of the people when he led members of his executive on a visit to Governor Alex Otti.
Aja said it was unfortunate that their neighbours in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state were on a daily basis encroaching into Ndoki land unabated.
“Our neighbours from Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state are daily encroaching into Ndoki land and nobody, including their government, is doing anything to stop them.
“We are pleading with Governor Alex Otti not to allow the people of Akwa Ibom State to annex our communities.” The group appealed to Governor Otti to do everything for the actualization of the proposed Seaport at Obeaku, Ndoki, adding that the state Exco had already approved the project.
“Many private investors have indicated interest in the project but the governor should engage any investor he knows has the capacity and capability to build the seaport,” the group demanded.
Aja revealed that the Obeaku Seaport, which is about 23 nautical miles to the Atlantic Ocean, when completed, will link Abia State and the entire South-East zone to the Atlantic Ocean and make shipping business easier for the area.
NCDU commended Otti for appointing their sons and daughters into positions of trust in his Government and pleaded for provision of social amenities.
A traditional ruler from the area, Eze Ikeagwuchi Ekeke thanked the governor for granting the group audience and promised that they would not let the governor and his government down.
Responding, Otti, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba urged the people not to resort to self help over the boundary matter but report the matter to the deputy governor.