Renowned Professor of Geology, Professor Etie Ben Akpan has described the accent given to the Akwa Ibom State Map Bill by former Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel as the perfect parting gift for the state.
Baring his mind on the Akwa Ibom State Map and other sundry issues, Professor Ben expressed happiness and satisfaction that the state finally witnessed the accent to an official map which will in turn guide the government in the allocation of resources and other things abound.
“The Bill for an official Map for the State was very timely and to me, I see it as a perfect parting gift for Ekid nation by former Governor Udom Emmanuel because the Bill signified the triumph of truth over the lies that was being peddled for years”.
Professor Etie Ben disclosed that the accent to the Bill by Udom Emmanuel has quenched the tension which had been brewing for years as a result of misinformation concerning the actual boundaries of the coastal areas in the state adding that the action of the former governor further cements his legacy as a man of peace.
Recalling his role in explicitly outlining the oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region, Professor Ben revealed that he was commissioned by the Federal Government in the year 2000 to present the quantum of oil deposited in each of the oil producing states and local governments including Akwa Ibom State which Eket and Esit Eket were included as core oil producing communities despite pressure from mischief makers to compromise with the report.
I vividly recall it was in the year 2000, the commissioning was done under the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission at Abuja. The late Reverend Effanga Okon Inyang was then the Akwa Ibom State Representative at the Commission. The Report was the first to recognize Akwa Ibom State as number 1 oil producing State in Nigeria. Hitherto, Delta State at that time was erroneously given the number one position. The Report also stated the oil producing LGAs in Akwa Ibom State which has formed the basis for the implementation of the current PIA in the State.” He said.
Speaking further, the renowned Geologist emphasized that the mapping of the state clearly affirms the Privy Council Judgement of 1918 where it was unanimously ruled that the Akoiyak Stubbs Creek belongs to Eket and Esit Eket respectively.
On the aspect of implementation, he expressed confidence that present Governor, Pastor Umo Eno will implement the Bill without compromise stating that the Chief Executive has kick-started his administration on a good note and has earned the trust and confidence of the masses.
On Pastor Umo Eno’s Supreme Court victory, Professor Etie Ben congratulated the Governor describing his victory as divine and a confirmation of the mandate of the people.
“As a senior citizen and a proud stakeholder of the PDP, I congratulate the Governor on his victory at the apex court. The victory is a confirmation of the mandate of Akwa Ibom people and I so much believe that he perform beyond our expectations” he stated.