As the conflict between the people of Ekid Nation and Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State continues, the Proprietor of Heritage Polytechnic, Eket, Dr. Emmanuel John Ekott, has urged students to become ambassadors of a new narrative and to ignore what he described as reckless publications and directives from some stakeholders.
The two oil-rich neighbouring council areas have been enmeshed in intermittent communal crises for over two decades.
The Proprietor, who spoke during the 17th matriculation and 15th convocation ceremonies of Heritage Polytechnic over the weekend, thanked the students for not allowing the crisis to extend into the institution, saying:
“Heritage Polytechnic is not a ground for ethnic division. When you walk through our gates, you leave behind tribal labels.
“Here, you are not first and foremost Ekid or Ibeno. You are a scholar. Heritage Polytechnic is a place to discover your potential, to collaborate, and to grow intellectually.
“Knowledge knows no ethnic boundaries. The laws of physics, the principles of mathematics, and the truths of commerce do not distinguish between Ekid and Ibeno.”
He made a passionate appeal to traditional rulers, political leaders, and elders of both Ekid and Ibeno to convene a genuine peace dialogue for lasting reconciliation.
“Let us invest in our children’s future rather than in our ancestors’ quarrels. Unity is not the absence of differences; it is the courage to rise above them.
“I believe that the young people of Ekid and Ibeno are ready for peace. Let us not disappoint them.”
Addressing the audience, the Proprietor noted that the conflicts between Ekid and Ibeno have yielded nothing but sorrow, stagnation, and a poor image of the people to the outside world, stressing that “it is time to end them all.”
He therefore reiterated his appeal to traditional rulers, political leaders, and elders of both communities to initiate genuine dialogue for lasting reconciliation.
“Let us invest in our children’s future rather than in our ancestors’ quarrels. Unity is not the absence of differences; it is the courage to rise above them. I believe that the young people of Ekid and Ibeno are ready for peace. Let us not disappoint them,” he said.
