Coastal people of Akwa Ibom State have reacted to alleged attempt by some groups to politicise mapping of the state by the House of Assembly.
They disclosed this on the platform of Coalition of Aboriginal Coastal Local Council Areas of Eket – Esit Eket, Onna, Mkpat Enin and Ikot Abasi.
Speaking at the weekend through the President General, Ekid Nation, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, the coalition expressed concern over falsehood being introduced into an entirely legal procedure, leading to disturbance of public peace in parts of the state.
It, therefore, warned persons fanning embers of crisis to be properly guided by historical and legal facts, and stop violence in the state.
Udonsak said the leadership of the coastal councils met to review mapping of the state and attendant disturbances with a view to improve security within the area.
The group also commended the State House of Assembly, former Governor Udom Emmanuel and the State Surveyor General for giving the state an official map since creation. It noted that the mapping would end perennial conflicts caused by lack of official boundaries among some local councils, especially along the Atlantic coastline.
It said: “Akwa Ibom State has never been mapped before, and we agree that this exercise is the constitutional responsibility of the state. The coalition condemns violence and destruction of life and property at Ikot Akpan Udo village, in Ikot Abasi Local Council, Coconut Plantation, and skirmishes at Esit Urua village, Eket Local Council, by mercenaries who are against peaceful aboriginal coastal communities.
“We call on government to speedily restore order, bring all the perpetrators to book and increase security presence in all vulnerable aboriginal coastal communities. We noted that ownership of the entire coastline of the state has been determined by various courts, some as far back as 1918.”
