The Akwa Ibom Government has commended the people of Edem Iyere in Ikono and Ibiaku Itu Udo in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area for accepting peace after resolving 40 years’ old boundary dispute.
The Deputy Governor and Chairman, State Boundary Committee, Mr Moses Ekpo, gave the commendation at a stakeholders’ meeting in Uyo on Friday attended by traditional rulers, community leaders and council chairmen from the areas.
Ekpo thanked the traditional rulers and other stakeholders from the two communities for their commitments to the resolution of the four-decade dispute.
”I salute the courage displayed by the traditional rulers of the two communities. The state government recognises your disposition to peace.
”It is our hope that this will send a message to other communities. We must all learn from this development.
”I thank God Almighty for making what seemed impossible to become possible at our time,” he said.
He said that the state government had earlier resolved a 75-year-old boundary dispute in Onna.
”The boundary dispute between the Ikono and Ibiono Ibom people is the second protracted boundary crisis we are resolving,” he said.
Ekpo urged the communities to liaise with his office to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which would be signed by the representatives of both parties.
”This document is necessary to ensure that future generations are aware of the resolution,” he said.
The deputy governor urged other warring communities in the state to embrace peace in the interest of unity and development.
Responding, the Chairman, Ikono Local Government Council, Mr Nyakno Okoibu, expressed happiness that the dispute had been resolved.
He commended the Gov. Udom Emmanuel-led administration for its commitment toward promoting communal peace.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council, Mr Ekopimo Edet, described the resolution of the age-long dispute as historic.
”It won’t be forgotten in our history that this matter was finally settled, and that the efforts of our leaders did not go in vain,” he said.
The Paramount Ruler of Ikono, Edidem Itang, thanked the parties for the sacrifices they had made to resolve the dispute.
”We have to live in peace. We have to promote activities that will enhance love, unity and development”
Also, the Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom, Edidem Inyang, urged both communities to strengthen ties and avoid any further dispute.(NAN)
