As tension refused to abate following communal clashes which, LEADERSHIP gathered, have led to killings and destruction of properties in some oil producing communities of Akwa Ibom state, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, has intervened and sued for peace.
Determined to find a lasting solution to the boundary skirmishes, Senator Eyakenyi, has summoned the leaders, elders and stakeholders of the affected communities to the Government House, Uyo, the state capital, where she appealed to the warring communities to sheath their swords, and “embrace peace that will usher in development in your communities.”
The Deputy Government, who doubles as the Chairman of the state boundary committee, at her maiden interactive meeting with Local Government Chairmen, Paramount rulers and stakeholders of the affected communities at the expansive Akpan Isemin Hall, Government House, solicited for a high level cooperation with the Governor Umo Eno – led government to reduce tension for development to thrive in the troubled areas.
She admitted that she was aware of the various land disputes that had arisen between villages, as well as inter-state boundary issues and expressed hope that those crises would be resolved within the lifespan of current administration in the state.
While assuring that the new government would do its best to sustain the existing peace in the various LGAs, and communities in the state, Senator Eyakenyi, said that Akwa Ibom state was known for peace, and appealed to the stakeholders not to take laws into their hands before reporting any issue of concern, but should reach out to the security agencies or the government.
“If there is any issue, I am accessible, I am open, let me know what is going on and we will intervene and ensure that peace prevails,” she assured.
She admonished the Traditional Rulers and Chairmen of the vital roles their offices were expected to play for sustainable peace in their domains, reminding that they were given the mandate to dialogue and proffer solutions to sensitive issues that could pave the way for the resolution of boundary disputes in their various communities.
The Chairman of Uyo LGA, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, and his Uruan counterpart, Mr Iniobong Ekpenyong, in their separate remarks, assured that as Council leaders, they were willing, and always ready to play their roles to ensure peace in their domains.
Ekpenyong, noted that with the historical facts of the places having issues in their grip, discouraging court cases were possible ways of resolving the boundary disputes through civil dialogue.
Speaking on behalf of the security agencies, CSP Hope Fubara, of the Nigeria Police, said that land matters were sensitive issues and should be handled carefully to avoid escalation, and assured of the security agencies’ commitment to continue to partner with the state government to ensure lasting peace in the state.
