Eket monarch says mapping of A’Ibom will end boundary conflicts

Paramount Ruler of Eket Council, Edidem Etim Abia, has said Akwa Ibom State will soon enjoy peaceful co-existence following the State Map Establishment Law 2023 passed by the state House of Assembly.

In an interview with newsmen in his palace in Eket, the monarch noted that the map 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 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 said.

He commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his effort at ensuring 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 council is, and bring to an end all conflicts.

“The governor has done well, he has the courage to do the right thing, not minding anybody, we couldn’t have had a state that didn’t have a map.

“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. Eket won the case at the High Court, Court of Appeal and at the British Council. But Ibeno never accepted that judgment,” he said.

According to him, the map is very important, not just for Eket but because its absence affected Onna, Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi.

The monarch said Governor Udom Emmanuel exceeded the expectations of people in the state.

He observed that despite the challenges facing the state, Emmanuel has remained resolute in his efforts to transform the state and has put Akwa Ibom among most developed states in Nigeria.