A/Ibom Assembly passes resolution on Nkari crisis, solicits govt. assistance for victims

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a resolution on Nkari clan clashes in Ini Local Government Area of the state and urged Gov. Udom Emmanuel to intervene and assist the victims.

The resolution followed a motion on matter of urgent public importance, brought before the Assembly on Wednesday by Mr Emmanuel Ekpenyong, (PDP-Ini).

Ekpenyong’s motion is entitled the, “A cry for help by the people of Ikot Offrong, Ikot Akpan and Ubienkene Villages in (Ubet Okom sub-clan) in Nkari Clan, Ini Local Government Area.”

He said the attack had forced the people of Ikot Offrong, Ikot Akpan and Ubienkene to flee their ancestral homes, and taking refuge as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in neighbouring villages.

Ekpenyong, who is also the Chief Whip of the Assembly, appealed to the state government to provide adequate security and other forms of assistance to enable the victims return to their ancestral homes.

The lawmaker also urged the state governor to release the white paper on the 2013 Commission of Inquiry on Nkari crisis.

According to the motion, a Commission of Inquiry, headed by Justice J. U. Bassey (rtd), was set up in 2013 by former Gov. Godswill Akpabio.

They, however, expressed concern that up till today, the white paper had not been released by the state government.

The Assembly also called on the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assist in the provision of relief materials to the affected communities to ameliorate their suffering.

The lawmakers also appealed to other philanthropic organisations to render assistance to the victims of the crisis.

The lawmakers unanimous adopted the resolution through a motion moved by the Leader of the House, Mr Udo Kierian Akpan.

The Speaker, Mr Onofiok Luke, there after directed the Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs Mandu Umoren, to communicate the resolution to the governor and relevant government agencies for action.

The Assembly also at plenary received the report of the Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs through its Chairman, Mr Idongesit Ntekpere, (PDP-Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara).

The committee urged the state government to recognise Ikot Itor community as a village in Abak/Midim clan, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of the state.

The report, which was adopted by the legislators, also advised the governor to order the publication and Gazette of villages under their respective clans.

According to the report, some villages in Nsit Atai Local Government Area are not listed under their respective clans.

The Assembly also called on the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to issue certificate of recognition to the Village Head of Ikot Itor.

Ikot Itor is in Abak/Midim Clan in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of the state. (NAN)