Proposed Akwa Ibom map will prevent unnecessary clashes among communities – Group

The Center For Human Rights & Accountability Network has said the proposed new map initiative for Akwa Ibom State would minimize unnecessary skirmishes among communities.

This was contained in a statement by the Group’s Director in the state, Franklyn Isong, made available to our correspondent in Uyo, on Wednesday, after a stakeholder’s meeting at the State House of Assembly tagged, “Bill for a Law to Provide for a Map for Akwa Ibom State and For Other Matters Connected Therewith,”

Isong who lamented that Akwa Ibom is yet to have its own gazetted map since its creation in 1987, commended the sponsors of the Bill, describing it as a welcome development for the state.

Isong stated that the group has examined the Bill and that it has not breached any provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“We have examined the six (6) sections of the Bill with the Short Title: Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law and the Center for Human Rights & Accountability Network is in complete support that the Bill be passed into Law as same shows no conflicts with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” The statement noted.

He called on the State Surveyor-General, who the Bill seeks to empower, to carry out the responsibility professionally taking into consideration the natural boundaries and cultural proclivities of the different communities within the state.