Stakeholders turned up yesterday at the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly for the public hearing for a bill for a law to provide for a map for the state and other matters connected therewith.
The public hearing was jointly organized by the house committees on lands and housing, boundary and conflict resolution, local government and chieftaincy affairs.
In his opening remark, chairman of the joint committee and leader of the house, UDO KIERAN AKPAN, said the bill, when passed and assented to, will put to rest every boundary dispute in the state.
His stance was also corroborated by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, FRANK ARCHIBONG and Elder ANIEKAN AKPAN, who represented the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources.
UDO KIERAN also clarified that the bill does not in any way mete out injustice or injury to anyone or group.
Making their presentations, representatives from Eket People’s Union, Onna, Ikot Abasi and MkpatEnin local government areas supported the bill, saying it will provide permanent solution to the boundary crises some of their communities have grappled with over the years.
On his part, Chairman, State Traditional Rulers Council, Ntenyin Dr SOLOMON ETUK, said the map, when done, will bring lasting peace and harmony to the state.
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In the same vein, the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network, CHRAN, through its Executive Director, Otuekong FRANKIN ISONG, urged the state government to adequately fund the Office of the Surveyor General of the state to carry out the task, when the bill is given assent by the governor.
