April 19, (THEWILL) — An academic and proprietor of Heritage Polytechnic, Eket, Dr Emmanuel Ekott, has issued a stern warning that the protracted crisis between Ekid and Ibeno communities in Akwa Ibom State will continue to hinder development unless urgent steps are taken to end hostilities.
Speaking at the institution’s 17th Matriculation and 15th Convocation ceremonies over the weekend, Ekott cautioned that decades of ethnic rivalry and land disputes have yielded no benefits, but instead entrenched poverty, stagnation, and a damaged public image for both communities.
The academic don stressed that positions held by some leaders, rooted in suspicion and division, are obsolete and detrimental to progress in a modern society.
“Those mindsets belong to a past we must deliberately leave behind. No society develops in an atmosphere of discord. The Ekid–Ibeno conflict has produced nothing but sorrow and backwardness”, he warned.
Ekott further cautioned against over-reliance on litigation in resolving communal disputes, noting that not all issues can be settled in courtrooms. He emphasised that meaningful resolution must come through sincere dialogue and mutual understanding.
He called on traditional rulers, political leaders, and elders from both sides to urgently convene a genuine peace dialogue to achieve lasting reconciliation and prevent further deterioration of relations.
“It is time to end this. We must invest in the future of our children rather than remain trapped in the quarrels of the past”, he stated.
Addressing students, the proprietor warned against allowing the external crisis to infiltrate the academic environment, while commending them for maintaining unity within the institution despite tensions in their home communities.
“Heritage Polytechnic is not a ground for ethnic division. Here, you are scholars first. Knowledge does not recognise tribe”, he added.
He urged students to reject divisive narratives and instead promote unity across ethnic lines, describing them as key drivers of a new and peaceful future for the region.
“You must become ambassadors of a new narrative. Look beyond tribe and embrace shared purpose.”
He cautioned that failure to embrace peace could further isolate the communities and deprive future generations of opportunities for growth and development.
