WorldStage Newsonline– The Akwa Ibom State government has settled an 84 year old land tussle between Ikot Itie Idung/Ikot Edong in Nsit Atai Local Government Area and Ekpene Ukim in Uruan Local Government Area of the state.
A Ceremonial Tree Planting Exercise signaling the end of the dispute which reportedly began in 1940, was held to demarcate the boundaries between the communities.
Speaking at the event, the State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, lauded stakeholders from the communities for their decision to embrace peace, pointing out that the administration of Pastor Umo Eno remained committed to enduring peace in the State.
While describing Nsit Atai and Uruan as key local government areas in the development of the state, the Deputy Governor said the peace deal would create room for economic development and youth employment in the two local government areas.
Emphasizing the need for peace among the communities, the deputy governor said: “Geographical proximity makes it imperative for us to share our lives, inter-marry and share children and grandchildren. It doesn’t make sense for kinsmen and in-laws to quarrel perpetually, fight endlessly and live permanently as enemies, after all, we can all trace our origin to the same ancestry if we painstakingly go down memory lane.
“These two Local Government Areas are very strategic to the development of Akwa Ibom State, hence the need to maintain peace here. The development that is coming to these two areas will translate into jobs for your youths and improved standard of living for all, and I’m sure you’re already smelling progress around here.
“The massive investments in housing, aviation and tourism by the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration will certainly benefit Uruan and Nsit Atai LGAs but you have a role to play, to make it a reality”, she said.
Senator Eyakenyi acknowledged the roles played by the Transition Chairmen, Paramount Rulers, Village Heads, youth leaders and other stakeholders from Uruan and Nsit Atai LGAs in ending the age-long boundary dispute and further described the trees as potential revenue sources for the communities.
She assured that the road which showed the demarcation between both LGAs will be properly tarred, while the land would be utilized for agricultural purposes by the government.
“These trees are not just physical objects of demarcation and potential sources of revenue for the communities. They symbolize peace, unity and brotherhood. Each time you look at them, remember your kinship, commitment to tolerate each other and promise to live in peace.
“I’m appealing to Ekpene Ukim to ceasefire. The land is being taken over by the government for the sole purpose of development. This is not to deprive you, but to find a lasting solution to the issue. The road demarcating these communities will be tarred. By the 2025 budget, this road will be included and I know the Governor will give the approval because he is peace-loving,” she added.
In their separate remarks, the Member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency, Prince Aniefiok Attah and his Uruan counterpart, Dr. Itoro Etim, thanked the Chairman and members of the State Boundary Committee for being alive to their responsibilities.
They appealed for active involvement of stakeholders and youths in the proposed agricultural programmes for the two LGAs.
Similarly, the Transition Chairman, Uruan LGA, Surv. Iniobong Ekpenyong and that of Nsit Atai, Hon. Emem Ibanga, were thankful to the State Government for ending the land crisis which they noted led to loss of lives and property.
Goodwill messages were received from the State Surveyor-General, Mrs. Eme Isang, Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai LGA, HRM Edidem Ita Okon, that of Uruan, HRM Edidem Cosmos Nkanga, as well as youth representatives of the communities.
Also present at the event were the Commissioner for Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong, represented by the Permanent Secretary; Elder Ini James, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice/Solicitor General of the State; Mfon Edemekong, Esq, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Grace Jim; village heads and youth leaders.
