The Paramount Ruler of Eket local government area, Edidem Etim C.D. Abia has said that unity and peaceful co-existence would be enhanced in Akwa Ibom State with the Map Establishment Law 2023 passed by the State House of Assembly recently.
Speaking with newsmen in his Palace in Eket on Thursday, Edidem Abia, the Atta Ekid Afid, noted that the State’s map was important as it would bring an end to years of disputes over boundaries between neighbouring communities.
“We couldn’t have continued as a state without having a map, an official gazetted map.
“What was circulated in the past was not an official map, it was something someone drew and people used it and that map created a lot of problems.”
He commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his courage and determination to ensure that the state had an official map, which he described as a vital tool for ensuring peace and stability.
“This map is expected to show clearly where the boundary of each Local Government is and bring to an end all the fights.
“The Governor has done well, he has the courage to do the right thing and not minding anybody, we couldn’t have had a state that didn’t have a map”.
The Paramount Ruler explained that the map would prevent local government areas from making claims on territories that were not rightfully their own.
“We in Eket have been fighting since 1914 to get the proper boundary demarcated between us and Ibeno.
“This case went up to the privy council, the highest court in the British Empire and right from Nigeria, Eket won the case both in the High Court, Court of Appeal to the British Council. Ibeno never accepted that Judgment.
“It is not up to Ibeno to implement the judgement but when there is a judgment that involves land it is the government that should implement the judgment but successive governments have not implemented the judgement.
“We also joined in the case to argue where QIT(Qua Iboe Terminal) is and they lost, the appeal was thrown out but still they won’t give up.
“This map is very important, not just for Eket alone because it affected Onna, Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi.
He said the map is expected to show clearly where the boundary of each local Government is and bring to an end all the fights.
Read also: Ex-Minister, Etiebet asks Akpabio to withdraw from senate or face defeat
He disclosed that in the past, there had been conflicts over territories that were not properly delineated, leading to tension and sometimes violence between communities but with the map, he hoped that such conflicts would be a thing of the past.
On the development across the state, the monarch said Udom has exceeded expectations in his commitment to the development of Akwa Ibom State.
He observed that despite the challenges facing the state, Udomm has remained resolute in his efforts to transform the state, and has put Akwa Ibom among the most developed states in Nigeria.
He noted that Governor Udom has taken the development agenda to a higher level, by implementing policies and programmes that have improved the lives of the people.
His words”Mr Udom Emmanuel has put Akwa Ibom State among most developed states in Nigeria. He has touched every Local Government Area. I am surprised that he had to wait this long to commission Eket-Etinan road, the road is a long project all the way from Uyo to Etinan to Eket, he should have commissioned the road in sections”.
“The Governor has done well he has the courage to do the right thing not minding anybody.
“Akwa Ibom State is one of the smallest states that is doing very well thanks to people like Governor Udom Emmanuel. He has exceeded expectations, and has put Akwa Ibom State among the most developed states in Nigeria” he said.
Follow The Trumpet on all our social media platforms for more updates:
