The people of Ibeno Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State staged a solidarity rally on Saturday to show their support for the Federal Government’s Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project passing through their territory.
Clad in white attire, residents defied the scorching sun to walk through major streets in Ibeno, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Dialogue Not Dispute, Ibeno Is For Peace,” “Ibeno Says Yes to Coastal Highway,” and “Peace Is Our Strength.” The rally culminated at the Ibeno Local Government Secretariat.
The demonstration also expressed support for Governor Umo Eno, who the residents commended for clarifying the disputed ownership of the oil-rich Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve. The long-standing dispute between the Eket and Ibeno communities over the forest reserve has previously led to tensions and the loss of lives and property.
The state government, through the Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom (SAN), had earlier clarified that the 1918 judgment of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which was cited by Eket indigenes, did not vest ownership of Stubbs Creek in any particular community. The clarification, according to officials, has helped clear misconceptions surrounding the land.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chairman of the council, Pharmacist Ukpong Okon, representing the Executive Chairman, Mrs. Glory Effiong, commended President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio for their leadership in the highway project. She also praised Governor Eno for his wisdom in handling the forest reserve dispute, noting that it would promote peace and development in the area.
Okon said, “We appreciate our youth for coming out in an organised and non-violent manner. The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State has shown wisdom in addressing issues surrounding the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve. We also thank President Tinubu for bringing the super highway that cuts across Calabar through Akwa Ibom. Ibeno is a hub for investors because of our numerous mineral resources along the coast.”
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The spokesperson of the Ibeno Elders’ Forum, Mr. Diamond Akpanika, said the rally was organized to celebrate the Federal Government’s initiatives and to reinforce Ibeno’s image as a peace-loving community.
Elder Daniel Sunday, representing critical community stakeholders, echoed the appreciation for the Federal and state governments, stating that the highway would open the area to investors and economic development while affirming Ibeno’s claim over the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve.
The rally highlighted the community’s unified support for the highway project and its commitment to peaceful coexistence with neighbouring communities.