EXAMINATION OF THE INTER-GROUP RELATIONS OF ABAK-IKONO CLANS: A CASE STUDY OF THE PRE-COLONIAL ERA 1800-1900

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Societies generally across the world, especially in Africa, have had very disturbing phases in their history. Such phases are characterized by intergroup rivalries. In some societies, the level of conflicts has reached alarming stages that it seems hardly possible to imagine that such societies ever enjoyed any peaceful relationship.1
The rising tide of instability and the issue of peace and national security are essential in the study of societies. The significance of the issue of peace and security has to do with a shift of emphasis from the study of societies in isolation, to the study of societies in the light of their relationships with one another. Recently this scenario seems to dominate most research work in the social sciences. The purpose is to establish areas of agreement and disagreement societies, and with greater focus on the cause of such conflicts and compromise.2
With respect to the subject of this work, there has been no interest in the study of Abak- Ikono Clans relations. The reason for the shifted attention not been focused on this subject is because over the years, Abak- Ikono Clans relation has steadily become peaceful. However, in spite of the attention on the problem of peace and national security, no comprehensive research has been undertaken on the achievement of peace and stability among the Abak and Ikono Clans people. This study is a contribution to our understanding of the remote and immediate causes of peace stability between Abak Clan and Ikono Clan contact in the pre- colonial times. A close look into the history unveils a very romantic past in the Abak- Ikono Clans relationship in Akwa Ibom State. The pre- colonial era, in particular, was a period of mutual contacts, characterized by understanding and co-operation in virtually all spheres of life.
In the course of time, especially during the colonial period nothing has altered the good relationship that had existed between the two Clans. The pre-colonial era had found impact on the relation between the two societies. This two resulted essentially from the pre-colonial policies, which sowed and watered seeds of mutual intercourse between the two societies.
Within this perspective, it is clear that since the pre-colonial era, most of the factors that once bond the Abak and Ikono Clans together have not dissipated. This best explains why per- colonial Abak- Ikono Clans relationship, particularly in Abak and Uyo local Government Area, has not been a catalogue of Civil unrest, resulting in wanton destruction of lives and properties. These peaceful relations aside clear that Abak- Ikono Clans relationship has never been a tale of woes.

1.2 Statement of the Problem
There is no doubt that no culture in the world that does not have the idea of peace and its content. Similarly, there is no society which does have the idea of peace and conflict. Conflict is inevitable in the affairs any society; where there are two or more people, there is bound to be conflict. Conflict itself occurs as a result of incompatibility of interests. No two persons think or behave alike and, therefore, there is always need to adjust interests to accommodate one another. Adjusted interests bring about agreements, accord, harmony and treaties.3
Crisis and conflicts do not dominate the whole period of human existence. However, inter communal conflicts have become widespread throughout Nigeria. This growing attitude results from the spirit of intolerance among societies.
Inter-group relations between Abak-Ikono clans have assumed peacefully dimension over the years. The central focus of the study is Abak-Ikono clans intergroup relations since the pre-colonial times (1800 – 1900). The study examines the nature and form of relationship between the two societies. This involves looking at the main trends in the development of the phenomenon covering the pre-colonial periods.
The major problem associated with this study is the dearth of source materials. The pre-colonial period suffers from the active dearth of recorded source materials and dominated by partisan source materials, which are full of sentiments and emotions devoid of objectivity.
In an attempt to address the problem associated with the inadequate source materials, one decided to adopt a multifaceted approach such as oral interview, text books, journals etc. This involved the use of many source materials for the purpose of corroborating information derived from each of the sources.
1.3 Aim and Objectives
The aim of the project is to examine intergroup relations between Abak-Ikono clans and their neighbours. To this end, the project has the following objectives:
Discuss the migration and origin of Abak-Ikono clans.
Examine the institutions of Abak-Ikono clans.
Discuss the element of intergroup relations between Abak-Ikono clans.
Examine the impact of intergroup relations.
1.4 Methodology
This research shall rely on primary and secondary research materials such as oral interview, journals, online materials as well as textbooks. This will be achieved through the use of the library, questioning and desktop research method.
1.5 Organization of the Study
The organization of this study is structured into five (5) chapters; chapter one introduces: the introduction part, organization of study, background of study, aims and objectives, Literature Review and Methodology.
While chapter two assesses the geographical location and origins: Geographical location of Abak clan, geographical location of Ikono clan, and Abak-Ikono Clans and their neighbours.
Chapter three examines the institutions and structures of Abak and Ikono people: political structure, judicial system and economic activities.
Chapter four highlights the intergroup relations between Abak and Ikono people: marriage institutions, cultural institutions and alliance and social interactions.
Chapter five contains: summary, conclusion, bibliography and appendixes.