By Uko Okon
The Ekid people of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State have issued a warning to Governor Umo Eno, accusing him of ‘inciting’ clashes between Eket and Ibeno communities over land ownership disputes.
They asserted that the governor was fronting gov’t officials in land racketeering in Okoiyak Ekid land for which he is believed to benefit bountifully.
This was contained in a statement by the International Coordinator of Itid Afigh Ekid Union, Manfred Ekpe in Uyo on Sunday.
The Ekid Union accused Governor Umo Eno of orchestrating the Ibeno people’s claims to the land, allegedly to benefit from land sales to foreign and local companies.
The Union cited historical evidence to support their claim of ownership of the disputed land, known as Okoiyak or Stubbs Creek Forest.
“Ekid people of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas have called on Governor Umo Eno to stop inciting clashes between Ekid and Ibeno and fronting Gov’t officials in land racketeering in Okoiyak Ekid land for which he is believed to benefit bountifully.
“The governor does this great disservice by violating several court judgements and Laws of Akwa Ibom State which recognizes Eket and Esit Eket as owners of this territory which is also under the administrative authority of the two local governments.
“The 1916 judgement in the case over the same land between Ekid and Ibeno before an English judge, the land is called Okoiyak and Ibeno forebears admitted that the land was called Okoiyak.
“How can descendants now deny what their ancestors admitted? This shows desperation for a land they never had and will never have.
They said from the records, Ibeno people were originally slaves and tribute-paying tenants on the land, which was granted to them by Ekid forebears in the 18th century.They warned the governor to desist from promoting land racketeering in the Stubbs Creek area, citing potential consequences.
“Ekid people warn Governor Umo Eno to desist forthwith from alleged promoting land racketeering in the Stubbs Creek or else the consequences will be too unpleasant for him.”
Recall that the dispute between Eket and Ibeno communities has been ongoing, with both sides laying claim to the Stubbs Creek Forest. The conflict has led to violent clashes and loss of life in the past.
