By Solomon OKPO.
A crucial stakeholder meeting convened on Thursday, April 4, 2025, at the Eket residence of elder statesman Rt. Hon. Nduese Essien helped ease rising tensions over a proposed bill to rename Eket to “Ekid.” The gathering was attended by community leaders, councillors, and key political figures from the Eket Federal Constituency.
The meeting, which began at 3:41 PM with prayers led by Hon. Isaiah Abia, was aimed at clarifying recent legislative actions by the Federal Constituency’s representative, Rt. Hon. Opolopo Ette, following public concern and internal disputes.
In his opening remarks, Rt. Hon. Essien said the gathering was necessary to address disquiet arising from a bill presented by Hon. Ette at the National Assembly. The bill had proposed changing the name “Eket” to its indigenous equivalent “Ekid,” prompting debates on ethnic identity and proper consultation.
Hon. Ette, in his address, clarified that the bill was introduced following a formal letter dated April 24, 2024, from legal luminary Chief Assam Assam, SAN. He admitted being unable to reach Rt. Hon. Essien prior to the bill’s presentation due to time constraints.
The lawmaker also disclosed he had fallen ill before the bill’s scheduled second reading and requested its deferment due to his absence from plenary. He read his letter to the Assembly and presented supporting medical documentation.
Ette emphasized that the bill was merely stepped down—not passed—and assured the stakeholders that legislative processes in the National Assembly are transparent and open to scrutiny.
In his historical analysis, Rt. Hon. Essien drew from early records, including Talbot’s writings, to distinguish between “Eket” as a place and “Ekid” as a people. He recalled the region’s administrative evolution and stressed the importance of accurate representation.
Reactions from other attendees varied. Hon. Aniekan Akpan attributed the controversy to inadequate communication, while Barr. Udoata acknowledged the MP’s good faith but emphasized the need for broader consultation. Another stakeholder, Robson, urged the gathering to accept the MP’s explanations in good faith.
The meeting resolved that Hon. Ette should organize regular stakeholder briefings to enhance transparency and community involvement. He promised to reconvene soon and give a detailed report on his legislative activities.
However, one question remained: Does stepping down a bill mean it has been permanently withdrawn? To provide clarity, it was agreed that Hon. Ette would formally notify the National Assembly in writing if he intends to withdraw the bill altogether.
The peace-building session ended on a note of reconciliation, with renewed calls for unity and better communication between representatives and the people they serve.
