Advocacy Group Calls for Resolution to Stubb Creeks Forest Crisis
An advocacy group, Open Forum, has urged the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, to find an acceptable solution to the ongoing Stubb Creeks Forest crisis. The conflict over control of oil-rich reserves has been going on for more than two years between the Eket and Esit Eket communities and their Ibeno neighbors, resulting in deaths and property damage worth millions of naira.
The state government's decision to form a high-powered committee to resolve the issue has been met with strong resistance from the Eket people, who have insisted that court judgments and legislative statutes should be implemented instead.
Following the backlash against the proposed committee, the group released a statement through its convener, Matthew Okono, appealing to the governor to come up with a fair method to resolve the crisis. The statement emphasized the need for justice, given the repeated challenges to the governor's integrity by individuals and organizations from Eket and Esit Eket.
Okono criticized the involvement of traditional institutions in the crisis, particularly after a traditional worshipper, Princess God’s own Udoito, summoned the governor and the state government before Eket deities. The woman, dressed in a tight black dress with raffia palm leaves around her ankle and waist, was seen performing a ritual with a bottle of dry gin at a tree.
He stated that Open Forum is concerned about how the revered Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers were dragged into the case, not to resolve the land issue, but in reaction to a private session at the shrine of Princess God’s own Udoito. The princess had used traditional items such as Ayei (fresh palm frond) and Ufofob (local gin) to offer prayers on the Stubb Creek matter.
In a video that went viral on social media, three Paramount Rulers visited the palace of the Esit Eket Monarch to deliver a message from the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, directing the Esit Eket Monarch and a clan head to meet at the State Traditional Rulers Council Chambers in Uyo. However, the meeting could not take place as scheduled.
Open Forum had discussions with some royal fathers to address the incident discreetly, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the situation. The group expressed disappointment that the attention given to the princess's private worship led to swift action rather than addressing the reason for her actions.
This incident caused embarrassment to the traditional institution and the people of the state. The group called for the perpetrator to be warned against future breaches of protocol and secrecy.
Okono stressed the importance of insulating the traditional institution from poor judgment, petty influences, and the crude interests of politically exposed persons. He advocated for the establishment of Palace Advisory Councils for all Paramount Rulers in the state, suggesting that Clan Heads should also have such councils.
Decisions on critical issues should not be left solely to the royal fathers, but should involve thorough review and expert recommendations. No royal father should be taken unaware of issues, especially those of significant consequence.
The group also appealed to the royal fathers to manage the outcome of the September 20, 2023 summons to avoid unnecessary controversies. They urged those using the opportunity to taunt the royal fathers to cease further acts, emphasizing that while no one should be silenced while fighting for justice, a blanket demeaning of the traditional institution is unacceptable.
Finally, Open Forum expressed concern over the silence of political leaders, heads of socio-cultural organizations, religious leaders, and opinion leaders on the issue, warning that everything should not be left to the governor alone to handle.
The group highlighted that some individuals who should be solving crises are themselves perpetrators of them. They urged those visible at ceremonies to be present when responsibilities of leadership beckon, emphasizing the need for collective effort to make Akwa Ibom State a land where injustice and oppression are taboos.
A stitch in time for this and other troubling issues in the state will not only save nine, but also protect the reputation and safety of about 9 million citizens and residents of the state.
0 Response to "Stakeholders Demand Resolution of Akwa Ibom Creek Dispute"
Post a Comment