BY SOLOMON OKPO
A political analyst, Elder Etukudoh Essien, has strongly countered claims by the Ibeno Clan Council alleging the presentation of a “fake” Akwa Ibom State map by authorities in Eket Local Government Area, describing the assertion as misleading and capable of inciting tension among communities in Eket Federal Constituency.
In a detailed rejoinder, Essien said the Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law 2023, under which the disputed map was produced, remains a valid legal instrument, having been duly enacted by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. He stressed that no law or its derivatives could be dismissed as “fake” unless set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction.
He further dismissed allegations of contempt of court, noting that there is no publicly available evidence of any subsisting court injunction restraining the use or implementation of the map. According to him, the mere existence of litigation does not invalidate a law unless accompanied by a clear and specific restraining order.
The analyst also addressed what he described as misconceptions surrounding boundary matters, clarifying that intra-state boundary adjustments fall within the jurisdiction of state governments, while interstate boundary issues are handled by the National Boundary Commission and the Federal Government.
Essien rejected claims that Eket and neighbouring local government areas were pursuing an expansionist agenda to access the Atlantic Ocean for derivation benefits, describing such allegations as speculative and unsubstantiated. He warned that such narratives could fuel ethnic suspicion, weaken inter-community relations, and politicise critical development initiatives.
On the proposed engagement with the Nigerian Air Force, Essien maintained that the move should be viewed as a legitimate effort to attract federal presence and enhance security in the area. He cautioned that attempts to discredit the initiative with claims of falsified documentation could deter investment and delay vital infrastructure development.
While calling for restraint, he expressed concern over what he termed a pattern of sustained attempts to legitimise Eket’s administrative actions, warning that such trends could lead to political and socio-economic marginalisation if left unchecked.
He urged all parties involved to pursue grievances through lawful and institutional channels, including the courts and structured dialogue, rather than through public statements capable of escalating tensions.
Essien reaffirmed Eket’s commitment to peace, legality, and development, noting that the issues raised are already before the courts. He called on stakeholders to allow due process to take its course and to avoid actions that could undermine unity and stability in Akwa Ibom State.
