Boundary crisis: A’Ibom govt hails traditional rulers, others for peace

Akpan Umoh, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Government has commended traditional rulers and other key stakeholders for assisting in the peaceful resolution of the over 40 years old boundary dispute between Edem Iyere in Ikono Local Government Area and Ibiaku Itu Udo neighbours in Ibiono Ibom LGA.
The State Deputy Governor and Chairman, State Boundary Committee, Mr Moses Ekpo, gave the commendation during a meeting with the Councils Chairmen, traditional rulers and community leaders of both LGAs in Uyo on Friday.
Ekpo acknowledged the important role played by the traditional rulers council in the state in resolving the conflict.
He observed that the idea of constructing a road on the disputed land would help attract development and progress to the areas for the benefit of the people.
“I pay tribute to you, the two strong paramount rulers and to let you know that the government regards the whole traditional council of the State and the role they play as very important.
“I thank God and thank you because what seemed impossible has come to a peaceful ending. If Akwa Ibom has been peaceful, it’s because the traditional rulers council has sacrificed to make it possible.
“What you have done is no mean feat, we have crisis in other places which are unresolved, but you have achieved it.
“I do hope that it sends a message to others for them to emulate, so that we can move forward as a state,” Ekpo said.
He said that after the about 75 years old boundary crisis resolved in Onna, then Ikono and Ibiono Ibom would be the second group to be able to resolve an age-long boundary issue in the state.
The deputy governor advised the warring communities to embrace peace for the state to continue to remain as the most peaceful.
He urged traditional rulers council to collaborate with their community leaders and his office to draft a Memorandum of Understanding within three weeks for both parties to sign, adding that it was necessary to document the resolutions for the sake of future generations.
Responding, the Council Chairman of Ikono, Mr Nyakno Okoibu, said he was elated for the peaceful resolution of the age-long crisis.
“It will be on record that it was during your time that the Edem Iyere and Ibiaku Itu Udo boundary dispute was resolved, and that is because of the peaceful disposition of the Gov. Udom Emmanuel administration.
“We are glad that what seemed impossible has been made possible during this dispensation,” he said.
In his remarks, the Ibiono Ibom Council Chairman, Mr Ekopimo Edet, thanked the deputy governor for his fatherly role of ensuring peace for the two communities.
“Let history be made today, that the efforts of the government and even past leaders has not been in vain,” Edet said.
Edet explained that as the root of Ibibio nation, Ikono and Ibiono Ibom had no reason to have been involved in any form of crisis whatsoever.
The Paramount Ruler of Ikono, HRM Edidem E. Itang was full of appreciation to God and all the parties who sacrificed for the peaceful resolution of the age-long crisis.
He said that as sisters, the two local governments should avoid any form of dispute and continue to live peaceably as they did before the crisis erupted.
The Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom, His Royal Majesty Edidem Ime Inyang, said he was elated to be alive to witness the peaceful resolution of the dispute.