The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its lawful authority over the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, dismissing claims circulating in the media regarding alleged ancestral ownership of the land.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the government said it was compelled to respond in the interest of the public, despite an ongoing court case on the matter, due to what it described as widespread misrepresentation of historical and legal facts by a group known as the Ekid People’s Union.
According to the government, references to colonial era litigation have been inaccurately presented to support claims of communal ownership. It clarified that the 1918 decision of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in the case involving Ntiaro and Ikpak against Ibok Ekot Akpan and Edobo Ekid did not confer ownership of the Stubbs Creek land on any ethnic group or community. Rather, the judgment dismissed the claims before the court without granting title to any party.
The statement further explained that the land was lawfully designated as a forest reserve by the colonial administration under the Forest Reserve Order of 1930, with subsequent amendments in later years. Following this designation, ownership and control of the land were vested in government authorities, a status that has remained in force under the laws of Akwa Ibom State.
The government also cited the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which vests all land within a state in the governor to be held in trust for the common benefit of all citizens. It noted that claims of absolute ownership based solely on ancestry or custom must operate within the limits of existing laws.
Addressing allegations of fraud linked to the management of the forest reserve and related investments, the government rejected the claims outright and warned that legal action would be taken against individuals or groups found to be spreading false or defamatory information capable of undermining public confidence or discouraging investment.
The statement also confirmed the state’s support for the Federal Government’s Coastal Highway project, assuring that full access and right of way would be granted wherever the project passes through Akwa Ibom.
The government concluded by reiterating its commitment to the rule of law and urged all parties involved to allow the courts to determine the issues at stake, while refraining from actions or statements that could mislead the public.
