Akwa Ibom State Government, through its Ministry of Lands and Town Planning, has moved to resolve a lingering land dispute involving the Mbak people, six host communities, Ibom Mortgage Bank, Citadel Value Homes and other stakeholders in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state.
The ministry urged all parties to embrace dialogue and avoid actions capable of threatening the peace of the area.
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A mediation with the returnee farm dwellers in the communities was held at the ministry’s conference room in Uyo on 2 September, according to a press statement issued by the ministry.
The meeting, presided over by the Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning, Ubong Inyang, brought together representatives of Mbak and other host communities, including Mbiokporo, Afia Nsit, Mbak Nsit, Ikot Ntuen Nsit, Afaha Nsit and Nduo Ebuo, Ibom Mortgage Bank and other key stakeholders.
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Commissioner Inyang said the state government is committed to finding a mutually acceptable solution to the dispute, noting that sustainable development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding.
He appealed to all parties to embrace peace and work with the government toward resolving their differences. He assured prospective developers that the government would facilitate a transparent process capable of protecting their interests while ensuring affected communities receive appropriate indemnification.
He also cautioned Citadel Value Homes and other allottees to work through recognised government processes and avoid making payments or entering into agreements outside the established framework, warning that such arrangements could create further disputes.
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He further stated that the ministry would provide relevant records and necessary support should the matter proceed to court, but encouraged the stakeholders to explore an amicable settlement.
The commissioner maintained that cooperation among the parties remains critical to achieving a resolution that protects legitimate interests and promotes development.
Remarks by lawyer representing Mbak community
Speaking on behalf of the Mbak community, Dominic Okon, a lawyer, commended the commissioner for initiating the engagement, describing it as an important step toward addressing the community’s concerns over the alleged encroachment on its land.
He highlighted some of the legal and other challenges encountered by members of the community in protecting their rights and called for relevant documents and evidence from all parties to be carefully examined in determining the facts of the dispute.
The member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Eric Akpan, called for continued dialogue among the government, affected communities and allottees, noting that the prolonged nature of the land acquisition had made the issue particularly sensitive.
He cautioned against arrests and confrontations that could heighten tension and urged stakeholders to understand one another’s positions and work toward a practical solution that would guarantee peace and development.
He also stressed the need for the affected communities to be properly briefed with relevant government documents and evidence.
B.M. Yakubu, a captain from the Headquarters 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Mbiokporo, Nsit Ibom, raised concerns over the welfare of six families still residing within the military cantonment. He said previous efforts to relocate them had been unsuccessful because they lacked alternative accommodation.
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Mr Yakubu appealed for government support to provide suitable temporary or alternative accommodation, stressing the need for a humane approach to their relocation in view of the hardship and financial pressure faced by the affected families.
A representative of Citadel Value Homes, Edward Akpan, thanked the Ministry of Lands and Town Planning for bringing the parties together to seek a resolution and assured the state government of the company’s readiness to cooperate with the relevant authorities and other stakeholders towards resolving the dispute.
A representative of the Office of the Akwa Ibom State Surveyor-General, Offiong Etim provided clarification on the history, boundaries and portions of the land acquired from the affected communities.
He also highlighted previous efforts by government survey officials to re-establish boundaries and facilitate development in the area, as well as challenges associated with the alleged destruction of beacon stones, encroachment and resistance encountered during surveying exercises.
The meeting featured an interactive session, during which stakeholders raised questions, clarified issues and made further submissions towards resolving the dispute and fostering peaceful coexistence among the affected communities, government, Ibom Mortgage Bank, Citadel Value Homes and others.
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