Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has talked tough, asking those responsible for the unnecessary wanton destruction to cease and desist as he had credible intelligence on their activities.
The governor issued the warning when he visited the centre of the communal clash between Ibeno, Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas to see the extent of wanton destruction occurred in the area.
For instance, Eno who is the chief security of the state said “after this warning, if this happens again, he can assure them that government will call them out, pick them up and they will face the penalty squarely.
“So I want to appeal to our political gladiators to stop taking sides and fanning the embers of disunity.”
Although, “I have credible intelligence on those who are sponsoring our young people to go out and cause this wanton destruction.”
Accordingly, “we are leaders and we cannot be sponsoring young people to take the laws into their hands. We will not allow it,” he said.
Nevertheless, as a peacemaker, the Governor reminded the people of their filial and communal ties.
He said the two communities united in so many ways, and did not see any reason for these repeated clashes.
Moreover, “there is high level of inter-marriages between yourselves,” he said.
“By the grace of God, we determined to put an end to this problem.”
Meanwhile, Governor Eno gave a strong note of warning to the Transition Chairmen of the affected three LGAs: Eket, Esit Eket and Ibeno.
“I want to say this to the chairmen of the three local government councils,” he continued.
“You have the responsibility to maintain law and order in your respective domains.”
However, “If any of this should happen again in your domains, I will remove you immediately and I promise you, I will.”
On the main cause of the conflict, Stubbs Creek Forest, Governor Eno, declared that “the land belongs to government.”
He emphatically said “Stubbs Creek” belongs to neither Eket, Esit Eket or Ibeno.
Therefore, It is a forest reserve which belongs to government.
He said that he has seen all the gazettes, from 1930, to that of 1966 till date.
Accordingly, “those who have gone in there have essentially been encroaching on government’s land and this must stop today.”
He said that he has directed the Ministry of Lands to come up with the entire plan.
“We will soon issue a proclamation on it,” the Governor announced.
Furthermore, he explained that “Government needs Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve as a source of carbon credits, which ultimately will provide jobs for the youths of the areas.”
“We must have communities that governed by law; so please be warned,” said Eno. That the law will certainly take its course.
He said that for the meantime the security agencies will continue to ensure there is law and order.
He stated that they have the directive to confront any group that may want to start problem again.
“They are going to be stationed here and they will not be lenient with any one one who breaks the law,” Pastor Eno said.
Governor Eno said he evacuated 16 people who wounded in the course of this unfortunate clashes.
“Once I leave here, I am going to visit them at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital,” he told the people.
On the issue of new Map for the State, Governor Eno pleaded for understanding, saying that the case is in court.
“Please let us be calm and maintain peace, while the matter is still in court, you have to wait.”
Ekerete Udoh Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said that Governor Eno, sounded both as a peacemaker in line with his calling as a Pastor and the Chief Security Officer of the State.
“I came here today as a man of peace and I speak peace in this land, that the people of Eket, Esit Eket and Ibeno must accept peace and peace will return to these communities.” he prayed.
Truth Live News learned that the governor Flanked by Service Commanders of the various security agencies, stakeholders from the affected communities and other top government functionaries in the State.