… Assures of Senate Intervention
Following the dispute between the people of Ariam Eleuelu in Ariam Usaka of Ikwuano LGA, Abia State and the people of Obot Akara community in Akwa Ibom State, the senator representing Abia Central senatorial district, Senator Austin Akobundu has urged the two communities to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign, promising that he would do all within his powers to ensure that the 10th Senate intervenes and bring a lasting solution to the crisis.
The Senator stated this on Sunday night after the latest episode of the protracted crisis claimed another life and led to the destruction of properties worth millions of naira on Sunday, February 2. He promised to take up the matter with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who incidentally and primarily represents Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district that also covers Obot Akara LGA, and table it before the Senate for urgent action to stem the tide from further escalating, assuring that the Senate would do all within its powers to restore lasting peace in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, Senator Akobundu urged all parties involved in the crisis to see each other as one people and live in peace in the spirit of brotherhood and good neighbourliness and promised to work with all relevant government agencies at all levels in the pursuit of peace and restoration of normalcy in the affected communities.
While thanking the Mayor of Ikwuano LGA, Dr Anthony Nzeribe Nwaubani and other government officials for the quick mobilisation of security agencies who in turn responded swiftly to the latest conflict, the senator who also hails from Ikwuano LGA, called on the governments of Abia and Akwa Ibom States to step up processes in engaging relevant stakeholders for the restoration of peace and provision of relief materials to those affected. He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the dead and pledged his solidarity with the bereaved family and all those affected in the skirmish.