Akwa Ibom State government has
urged the people of Ikot Akpan Udo in Ikot Abasi Local Government and their Amazaba community neighbours in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, not to truncate the peace building process it has already started by re-opening old wounds inflicted on each other during the crisis.
It urged the communities rather to co-operate with the White Paper Implementation Committee set up to end the crisis and resettle displaced persons.
The chairman of the White Paper Implementation Committee and commissioner of Health in the state, Prof. Augustine Umoh, gave the advice on Wednesday when he led other committee members to the two communities.
Speaking in separate addresses to the two communities, Umoh said that the Udom Emmanuel’s led administration was “desirous of ensuring that the sad chapter of the communities history of communal conflict is finally put to rest”.
He said that the visit was to enable the White Paper Committee have an on-the-spot assessment of property destroyed during the crises which engulfed the areas in 2008.
“We, therefore, urged the people not to reopen old wounds but to cooperate with the committee to provide locations where government could rebuild schools, health centres, markets, civic centres and other amenities that were destroyed.
“We advised the two sides to abide by the terms of their Memorandum of Understanding while government undertakes a holistic review of their needs assessment for development of the areas to make way for proper resettlement,” he added.
Professor Umoh also said the visit was a follow up to the various meetings between the committee and the affected communities,adding that the Government has taken serious steps that would lead to the provision of facilities that were destroyed in the area to enable the people return to normal life.
While noting that the Udom Emmanuel administration was fully committed to restoring peace in the area, he said the community has a responsibility of providing an enabling environment for peace to thrive.
He charged the two communities not to disrupt the ongoing resettlement process and urged them to desist from taking actions capable of igniting another round of crisis in the area.
Responding, at Ikot Akpan Udo, the village head, Eteidung Oscar Abel, who spoke through the chairman of the village council, Chief John Obotowo, appreciated the state government for efforts made so far to bring peace to the area. They assured government of the willingness of Ikot Akpan Udo to cooperate with the committee to execute the desired projects for the community.
Abel, said the matter was not a case between Ikot Akpan Udo and Amazaba, rather the crisis between Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo.
At the Obolo Hall where Amazaba people had gathered, the Paramount Ruler, Chief Harry Etetor and the council chairman, Mr Abraham Odiong, said that for 14 years, the Amazaba people had no place to stay after being driven out of their community by Ikot Akpan Udo.
They appreciated government determination of settle the problem and pledged their readiness to cooperate to bring lasting peace to the area.
