Itu Council Boss Lauds NEMA, AKSG

…Calls For Restoration Of Peace In Oku Iboku

The Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Council; Hon. (Barr.) Etetim Onuk has expressed gratitude to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), as well as the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for their sustained effort towards alleviating the condition of those affected by communal crisis and other disasters across the nation. He disclosed this on Wednesday, during the distribution of relief materials to some of those affected by the protracted communal conflict in Oku Iboku and its environs in Itu Local Government Area.

Onuk who particularly lauded the Akwa Ibom State Governor; Mr. Udom Emmanuel and his Deputy; Mr. Moses Ekpo for their determined and sustained efforts towards restoring peace in the area also commiserated with those affected by what he described as the “continuous and unprovoked attack” on the fishing communities of Oku Iboku and called for an accelerated effort by the National Boundary Commission towards ensuring a complete cessation of the hostilities that have led to several deaths and destruction of properties worth millions of Naira. He stated that the Local Government Council will continue to partner and support relevant arms of government and agencies to hasten the peace process in the area.

In his remark, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Mr. Moses Ekpo who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor; Mr. Nkopuruk Ekaiko commended NEMA for the gesture and prompt response whenever they are called upon. He however appealed for more items and the inclusion of building materials in subsequent relief exercises by the agency and stated that the State Government will continue to work towards restoring peace in the area.

The South-South Coordinator, NEMA; Mr. Godwin Tepikor disclosed that after the physical assessment of the affected areas by the agency and subsequent submission of the report, the Federal Government approved the sharing of relief items to those affected by the protracted conflict. He also noted the agency will continue to carry its core mandate and respond accordingly to all manner of emergencies.

Meanwhile, the Clan Head of Oku Iboku; Etebom Ubong Okokon while expressing appreciation for the palliative gesture, also lamented the ordeals the community has had to go through in the course of the perennial communal crisis, adding that the insecurity and growing fatality is agonizing.

Similarly, the wife of the village head of Ikot Essien- Oku Iboku; Mrs. Mary Enwan, Mr. Francis Antia and Mr. Imoh Enang who spoke for the beneficiaries were full of praises for NEMA, and government at all levels for coming to their aid, particularly at a time like this. They appealed for continuous support from the government to ensure normalcy is restored. Items distributed include Mattresses, rice, beans, garri, vegetable oil, canned tomatoes, seasoning cube, soap and mosquito nets