The Federal High Court in Uyo has dismissed the case brought by Ibeno, Eastern Obolo, Mbo, and six other parties challenging the Akwa Ibom State Map Law.
In Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/49/2023: The Paramount Ruler Of Ibeno & 8 Ors Vs Akwa Ibom State & 15 Others, the plaintiffs contested the legislative authority of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly regarding the demarcation of local government boundaries in the state.
During the judgement on April 30, 2024, the court upheld the objection of the 1st to 8th and 9-13th defendants, citing the abuse of court process by the plaintiffs.
The Akwa Ibom State Map (Establishment) Law, 2023, passed by the 7th Assembly and signed by Gov Udom Emmanuel in April 2023, faced opposition from local chairmen and paramount rulers of Ibeno, Eastern Obolo, and Mbo.
The Federal High Court’s decision implies that the Map Law stands, undisturbed and in effect. Professor Emeritus of Geology, Professor Etie Ben Akpan, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, though he noted some challenges in court access.
The court concurred with the defendants that the legal actions by the applicants (Ibeno and others) constituted an abuse of court proceedings, leading to the court’s decision to decline jurisdiction.
A legal expert highlighted that the court ruling not only affirms the legality of the Akwa Ibom Map but also represents a setback for Ibeno and the other plaintiffs. The prevailing judicial stance indicates the law’s validity, with minimal chances for reversal given the unprecedented nature of the case in legal history.