By Solomon OKPO
The President General of Ekid People’s Union, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, has strongly condemned the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno, ‘Professor’ Effiong Bassey Archianga, over what he described as a “malicious and unfounded” attack on former Governor Udom Emmanuel.
In a scathing press statement titled “Between Udom Emmanuel’s Record and an Irritant Monarch’s Rant,” Udonsak accused the traditional ruler of peddling lies and attempting to rewrite the positive legacy of Udom Emmanuel’s administration.
> “Archianga’s utterances are not aimed at building, but tearing down,” Udonsak said. “They are in stark contrast to the verifiable achievements of Udom Emmanuel’s tenure, which cannot be erased by propaganda.”
The Ekid Union leader took particular exception to Archianga’s claim that no Ibeno indigene served as a commissioner under Emmanuel, pointing out that both Mr. Ekpenyong Enyinna and Chief Okpolupm Etteh held key positions in the administration.
“It smacks of foolishness for a monarch of his status to make such blatantly false claims. Udom Emmanuel believed in inclusive governance and equitable development,” Udonsak stated.
Highlighting his own political pedigree and role in Akwa Ibom’s development, Dr. Udonsak revealed that he had been a governorship aspirant and played a central role in supporting Emmanuel’s administration through the G-22 political coalition.
“Despite my support, Udom Emmanuel appointed Archianga’s own kinsman, Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, as Commissioner and later facilitated his rise to the House of Representatives. That’s not marginalization; that’s magnanimity,” he added.
Udonsak described Archianga’s criticism as “a wicked attempt to distort history and destabilize the peace that Udom Emmanuel laboured to entrench.”
He further accused the Ibeno monarch of benefiting from unrest in coastal communities, suggesting that the monarch’s recent outburst was driven by fear of losing access to crisis-related funds.
“Individuals like Archianga have long harvested crisis dividends under the guise of ‘peacekeeping.’ But Akwa Ibom has moved on,” Udonsak declared.
He listed major infrastructural projects executed by Udom Emmanuel in Ibeno and across the state, including the 19.5km Eket-Ibeno dual carriageway, the Ibom Air initiative, and various industrial ventures such as the Coconut Refinery, Jubilee Syringe Factory, and the Kings Flour Mill.
He also highlighted landmark achievements in healthcare, education, civil service welfare, urban renewal, and religious infrastructure, underscoring Emmanuel’s holistic approach to governance.
“To label such a visionary leader ‘the worst governor’ is either the product of senile amnesia or a heart embittered by greed and intolerance for peace,” Udonsak said firmly.
He concluded by warning that Akwa Ibom people would not allow those who profit from division to drag the state backward.
“Let those who thrive on crisis find another stage. Udom Emmanuel built roads, industries, and people. His impact is visible, and his legacy is enduring. Akwa Ibom is marching forward—united and progressive.”
