Akwa Ibom TRC Law Crisis: Government and Traditional Rulers seek amicable resolution

In a bid to resolve the ongoing crisis surrounding the amended Traditional Rulers Law, Cap 155, the Akwa Ibom State government and the Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) have opted for an out-of-court settlement.

The disagreement stemmed from the amendment of TRC Law Cap 155, which granted life and permanent Presidency to Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk. Some royal fathers, including the Paramount Rulers of Annang extraction, Paramount Rulers of Urueffong Oruko, Okobo, Mbo, Eastern Obolo, Ibeno, and those of Oron and Udung Uko Local Government Areas, took legal action against the Akwa Ibom State government, the State Assembly, and the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Ntenyin Etuk.

During the hearing on Thursday, the plaintiffs, represented by Barrister Ekpenyong Ntekim and a team of lawyers, made an oral application to the Court for leave to explore settlement out of court. They emphasized the shared desire of both parties to restore and maintain peace in the state.

The Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, represented by the Director of Civil Litigation, Barrister Bassey Ekanem, raised objections to the oral application. Despite confirming discussions between the State Attorney General, Barrister Ntekim, and Governor Pastor Umo Eno to seek a peaceful resolution, the objection was overruled by the Court. The Court cited the duty to encourage parties to settle disputes out of court, emphasizing the desire for peace expressed by both counsels.

Justice Archibong, the trial Judge, highlighted the common goal of peace and settlement in the dispute, stating that the form or manner of application should not hinder the process.

Counsels to the plaintiffs, Barrister Ekpenyong Ntekim and Barrister Uyobong Jumbo Udom, expressed optimism about a swift resolution, appreciating the court for granting leave to explore an out-of-court settlement.