HOST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WATCH
💥💥💥PRESS RELEASE💥💥💥
EKET NATION/IBENO CRISIS – LET PEACE REIGN: A CALL FOR SELF DEFENSE?
The position of the Akwa Ibom State Government on the ongoing tension in the Aboriginal Coastal Communities of Akwa Ibom State comprising of Eket, Esit Eket, ONNA, Mkpat Enin and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas as contained in a release issued by the Akwa Ibom State Government and signed by the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong has been received by Akwa Ibom people at home and abroad. It appears to be an invitation that Indigenes of the Aboriginal Coastal Communities should explore means of defending themselves.
As a group we have also read, studied and deliberated on same. We have concluded on one thing, the Akwa Ibom State Government does not have the will power to implement her decisions and therefore we must rise to defend ourselves.
A look into the AKSG position notes that the Government wrongly describes the ongoing tensions between the Ibibio community of Eket Extraction and the self-proclaimed Ijaw populace of Ibeno Extraction as a mere fight for heritage claims which dates back to pre colonial era.
As direct victims of the insensitivity to us thereby making us Frontline victims of this several confrontations and unprovoked attacks from the Ijaw people of Ibeno, we are constrained and wish to inform that the Eket Ibibio people are only seeking to reclaim their properties.
The Ibeno Ijaw people have no heritage for them to seek to claim such or seek ownership. Therefore the position of Government on a fight for Heritage fails logically and collapses as it is no way near reality.
Our worry here is that the position of the Akwa Ibom State Government as conveyed by Government spokesperson is not only ridiculous, but evasive as the State Government has failed to address the root of the problem.
By the position of the State Government, it has intentionally distances itself from the enforcement of the Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law 2023, a legislative mandate ratified by the State House of Assembly and endorsed under the leadership of the former Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
This law, that honours and ratifies all known historical facts and truths aligns with historical judicial rulings dating back to 1916 which unequivocally recognizes the Ekid people’s absolute sovereignty over the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserves and more.
The government’s attribution of legal hurdles as justification for its inaction is nauseating, unpardonable and a clear case of dishonesty to the Aboriginal Coastal Ibibio people especially in the face of this escalating tensions.
Questions linger as to whether the Press Release, titled “Eket Nation/Ibeno Crisis: Let Peace Reign,” was genuinely crafted to address the plight of Aboriginal Coastal Local Governments, or if its underlying intent is to either undermine the grievances of the peace-loving people of Ekid descent or, worse yet, inadvertently instigate unrest, thus.
It is incumbent upon a democratically elected government, committed to upholding the rule of law, to navigate contentious issues with judicious discernment. The sanctity of legal statutes and judicial precedents must not be compromised in the face of burgeoning conflict. By undermining legislative enactments and judicial rulings, the government risks eroding public trust and exacerbating tensions. The faith of the Aboriginal Coastal Communities in Akwa Ibom State on the stance of the present administration hangs on the brink of precipice .
The government’s failure to acknowledge the underlying dynamics of the conflict, wherein the Ibeno community perceives it as an Ibibio/Ijaw conundrum, underscores the need for understanding and diplomatic engagement. Dismissing legitimate grievances and historical claims only serves to deepen existing fault lines and perpetuate discord.
In light of recent violent escalations, it is imperative for the Akwa Ibom State government to demonstrate proactive leadership. The expeditious implementation of the Akwa Ibom State Map Law-2023 and adherence to extant judicial pronouncements affirming Ekid’s rightful ownership of the Stubbs Creek Forest as well as adjacent territories and ceding what belongs to Coastal Ibibio Communities to the rightful owners. This and many more are imperative for peace to be sustained.
That the State Government is telling the People to go and explore means of living in Peace with themselves is a good advice offered as a mockery and in bad taste.
Perhaps the only way the people can live in Peace is to forcefully claim their lands since the Umo Eno led Administration says it is waiting for a Judicial pronouncement to act right.
We urge the Akwa Ibom State Government to allow Peace a Chance in these communities by acting in the best and honest ever means as anything short of that may not guarantee Peace in these Communities.
The Government should know that NO SINGLE INDIVIDUAL IS AND SHOULD BE SEEN OR PERCEIVED AS BEING MORE POWERFUL THAN THE GOVERNMENT.
Edet Edet
National Coordinator
Ifiok Itiaba
National Secretary
