A Call for Justice and Resolution in the Stubb Creeks Forest Crisis
An advocacy group under the auspices of Open Forum in Akwa Ibom State has called on the state governor, Umo Eno, to find a resolution method that can end the ongoing Stubb Creeks Forest crisis. This dispute over the control of oil-rich reserves has been ongoing for more than two years between the Eket and Esit Eket communities and their Ibeno neighbors, leading to deaths and property destruction worth millions of naira.
The decision by the state government to form a high-powered committee to resolve the crisis has been met with strong resistance from the Eket people, who have insisted on implementing court judgments and legislative statutes. However, following backlash against the proposed committee, the group released a statement in Uyo, appealing to the governor to come up with an acceptable method to resolve the matter.
The statement emphasized the need for justice, given the repeated challenges to the governor’s integrity in the matter. It highlighted the serious allegations made by individuals and organizations from Eket and Esit Eket without any attempt to refute them.
The Role of Traditional Institutions
The group also condemned the involvement of traditional institutions in the crisis, particularly after a reaction to a traditional worshipper, Princess God’s own Udoito. She was seen performing a ritual at her shrine, which led to a response from the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council. The incident raised mixed feelings and unfavourable comments across the state.
In a video that trended on social media, three Paramount Rulers were seen delivering a message from the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, directing the Esit Eket Monarch and a clan head to bring Princess Udoito to a meeting at the State Traditional Rulers Council Chambers. The traditional summons involved the presentation of “ayei,” which sparked controversy.
Concerns Over the Handling of the Incident
Open Forum expressed concern over the attention given to Princess Udoito’s private worship, which attracted swift action rather than addressing the reason for her act. The group criticized the individual who secretly recorded and circulated the video of the supposed sacred event, calling it an embarrassment to the traditional institution.
The group urged the traditional institution to be insulated from poor judgment, petty influences, and the crude interests of politically exposed persons. They advocated for the mandatory establishment of Palace Advisory Councils for all Paramount Rulers in the state, as well as for Clan Heads.
Calls for Collective Responsibility
The group also 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 in the hands of the governor alone to handle.
They emphasized the need for all stakeholders to be involved in resolving crises, highlighting that some of those who should be solving issues are themselves perpetrators. The group urged political leaders to be visible when responsibilities of leadership beckon, ensuring that Akwa Ibom State becomes a land where injustice and oppression are taboos.
The Need for Immediate Action
Finally, Open Forum stressed the importance of addressing troubling issues in the state promptly. They warned that failing to act could have far-reaching consequences, affecting the reputation and safety of about 9 million citizens and residents of the state.
