In an official response issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor and the Abia State Boundary Committee, the government clarified that the petition submitted by individuals describing themselves as “Concerned Citizens of Ndi Ebe Abam Autonomous Community” does not dispute the existence or finality of the judgment delivered by the High Court in 1989 and affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on July 12, 2002.

According to the government, the judgment remains final, binding, and enforceable. Citing constitutional principles, the government emphasized that Supreme Court judgments are binding on all authorities and persons. As such, facilitating implementation is not optional but mandatory.

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, who chairs the Abia State Boundary Committee, is legally mandated to mediate boundary disputes and prevent communal conflicts. His involvement, the statement noted, represents lawful discharge of responsibility rather than interference with judicial authority.

Failure to implement a valid judgment, the government stressed, would amount to a negation of the rule of law.

Addressing allegations regarding the map guiding the field exercise, the government clarified that the certified true copy being used was originally presented by Ndi Ebe Abam during litigation and endorsed by both parties during consultative meetings. Officials described claims of an “alien” or altered map as misleading.

The government further explained that the current activity is a field tracing exercise, not arbitrary demarcation. Permanent boundary pillars will only be placed after: Joint discussions, Technical consultation and Agreement by surveyors representing all parties. This, the statement said, ensures fairness and transparency.

Government disclosed that multiple conciliatory meetings were held with both Ndi Ebe Abam and Ndi Ojiugwo Abam communities, including palace visits and stakeholder engagements.

These consultations culminated in a December 18, 2025 resolution in which both communities agreed to commence field tracing within the first quarter of 2026 in line with the judgment.

Responding to fears about lands allegedly outside the adjudicated area, the government maintained that:

• A Supreme Court judgment cannot be suspended based on speculative claims
• Issues not litigated cannot invalidate enforcement
• Separate grievances must follow separate legal processes.
• Endless intentions to litigate cannot override the supremacy of a final court decision,” the statement emphasized.

The Abia State Government reiterated that:

• The Supreme Court judgment must be implemented
• The ongoing exercise is lawful and professional
• Due process will guide pillar placement
• Government will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold the rule of law

The statement concluded by urging all stakeholders to cooperate in good faith to ensure lasting peace and development.