By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Government has threatened to sanction any traditional ruler in the state who engages in activities that could lead to a breach of the peace in their domains and the state at large.
The Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo,
expressed this on Friday in Uyo, during a meeting with paramount rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders from from Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas over a boundary dispute.
Ekpo said that such infraction would henceforth attract withdrawal of certificates of recognition from anyone found wanting.
Expressing displeasure over increasing boundary crisis in the area in the state, the Deputy Governor reminded them that in line with extant laws, only the paramount rulers were authorised to place a traditional injunction over land matters.
“It is not right for the Village Head to place an injunction on any land without consulting the Paramount Ruler or following due process.
“An offended party must always exhaust the established procedure of making official reports to the Local Government Chairmen and the Paramount Rulers, and not to take the laws into their hands or running to the press to escalate the crisis,” Ekpo said.
On the particular matter of trespass between Iwofe village in Eastern Obolo and Okopedi in Ikot Abasi, Ekpo directed the two paramount rulers to take appropriate steps to resolve the issue as well as clear the injunction.
He advised that village heads, chiefs and clan heads must at all times have the interest of their people at heart as that is what will help unite and create an enabling environment for peace in their domains.
Responding, the Paramount Ruler of Eastern Obolo, HRM Ubon Etetor, expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to them to express themselves on the issue.
He urged the state government to organise a seminar that would give proper orientation to the village heads to help them in community administration, decision making and in the general discharge of their duties effectively.
On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi, HRM Udo Ntukobom, thanked the deputy governor for his proactive interventions in ensuring that peace reigns in the area.
Those in attendance were; ACP Baba Audu, Area Command Eket, representing the state Commissioner of Police, CP Andrew Amiengheme, DPO’s of the two LGAs, Community Leaders and Village heads, amongst others
Ekpo said that such infraction would henceforth attract withdrawal of certificates of recognition from anyone found wanting.
Expressing displeasure over increasing boundary crisis in the area in the state, the Deputy Governor reminded them that in line with extant laws, only the paramount rulers were authorised to place a traditional injunction over land matters.
“It is not right for the Village Head to place an injunction on any land without consulting the Paramount Ruler or following due process.
“An offended party must always exhaust the established procedure of making official reports to the Local Government Chairmen and the Paramount Rulers, and not to take the laws into their hands or running to the press to escalate the crisis,” Ekpo said.
On the particular matter of trespass between Iwofe village in Eastern Obolo and Okopedi in Ikot Abasi, Ekpo directed the two paramount rulers to take appropriate steps to resolve the issue as well as clear the injunction.
He advised that village heads, chiefs and clan heads must at all times have the interest of their people at heart as that is what will help unite and create an enabling environment for peace in their domains.
Responding, the Paramount Ruler of Eastern Obolo, HRM Ubon Etetor, expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to them to express themselves on the issue.
He urged the state government to organise a seminar that would give proper orientation to the village heads to help them in community administration, decision making and in the general discharge of their duties effectively.
On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi, HRM Udo Ntukobom, thanked the deputy governor for his proactive interventions in ensuring that peace reigns in the area.
Those in attendance were; ACP Baba Audu, Area Command Eket, representing the state Commissioner of Police, CP Andrew Amiengheme, DPO’s of the two LGAs, Community Leaders and Village heads, amongst others
