CR Assembly intervenes in Basin, host community land dispute

The Cross River House of Assembly (CRHA) has assured the people of Ikot Eneobong Neighborhood Community and the  Basin Authority, Calabar of amicable resolution of lingering land dispute between them.

The Chairman, House Committee on Lands, Housing and New Cities, Hon. Francis Asuquo made this known to Journalists during as visit to the disputed land.

He said that the visit was informed by the save our souls (SOS) letter sent to the Assembly by the host community to help intervene in the lingering boundary dispute between Ikot Eneobong neighbourhood and their tenant, Cross River Basins Authority.

Asuquo  commended the community for remaining law abiding and not resorting to self-help by taking laws into their hands, assuring that very soon justice would be done to both parties.

The lawmaker added that his visit has availed the house the opportunity to inquire and gain concrete insight into the lingering problem. 

He described the crisis as a usual Nigerian problem which  occurs often because of increase in population size, advancement and community expansion. 

According to him, "since we have been on ground to do the assessment, we will look at all necessary documents too but the paramount thing is that we want to assure the people that neither Basin nor Cross River State Government wants them to suffer and so the issue will be resolved whereby everybody will be happy".  

Also speaking, Basin Director of Planning and Design, Engr. Eric averred that the inspection was to enable parties to have peace until when the issue is resolved. 

He said that the encroachments by the host community had affected their facility and  agricultural activities within the Basins Authority environment.

On his part, the Chairman of Ikot Eneobong Neigbourhood Community, Pastor Simon Ejue thanked the assembly for finding out time to response to their cry, adding that the said boundary dispute has meted severe hardship and difficulty on them.