The President-General of Eket People’s Union (EPU), Dr. Samuel Udonsak, has lauded former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for entrenching a strong sense of identity in the state through the institution of a state anthem, map, and official logo.
Speaking during a media interaction, Dr. Udonsak described Emmanuel’s leadership as multidimensional and visionary, stating that his legacy is most profoundly reflected in the symbolic elements that now define Akwa Ibom’s corporate identity.
“Before Udom Emmanuel, no one thought of giving Akwa Ibom a state anthem or even an official map. These were things we took for granted. But today, those symbols have become our pride and rallying point. They give us something to defend,” he said.
Highlighting long-standing concerns over local government boundary distortions since 1990, Dr. Udonsak praised the former governor for responding with a historical and legal solution: a coordinate-based map that now serves as a tool of justice and cultural preservation.
“That map is not just a piece of paper; it is a shield for our heritage, a document that speaks for our ancestors. Udom Emmanuel took the bold step to correct historical misalignments, and that must never be taken lightly,” he added.
Turning to the issue of state creation, the EPU leader issued a firm warning against attempts to redraw boundaries under the guise of forming a new Obolo State. While not opposed to legitimate demands for state creation, Dr. Udonsak said any attempt to include Ibibio-majority areas such as Eket, Onna, Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi, or Esit Eket into Obolo State would be resisted.
“I reject, without apology, any hidden agenda to annex our lands in the name of new state creation. That is not just unjust; it is an invitation to conflict. We have spilled blood over these boundary issues before. We will not walk that road again,” he warned.
Quoting the 1936 Intelligence Report, he pointed to historical efforts to create a territorial link between Oron and Ibeno via contested zones—an agenda he described as a long-running scheme that has bred violence and discord for decades.
On the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the Akwa Ibom Map Law, Dr. Udonsak revealed that the case is now before the Court of Appeal, expressing disappointment over the perceived bias of the lower court judge and noting that affected communities have lost confidence in the neutrality of the process.
“We are confident in the Appeal Court. We have the documents, the history, and the truth. And facts, as we know, are sacred,” he stated.
Responding to claims that Eket witnessed stagnation during Udom Emmanuel’s tenure, Dr. Udonsak dismissed such narratives as false and politically motivated. He pointed to tangible infrastructural achievements like dual carriage boulevards, a stadium, and the iconic General Esuene statue as irrefutable evidence of development.
He also defended the industrial projects pioneered by Emmanuel, particularly the syringe manufacturing company and coconut refinery, asserting that their current struggles stem not from poor conception but from mismanagement after Emmanuel’s exit.
“Udom Emmanuel approached governance with an investor’s mind. He planted seeds that require sound management to thrive. If things are faltering now, it is because those at the helm lack his vision,” he remarked.
Dr. Udonsak concluded by commending the former governor’s foresight and commitment, describing him as a leader whose contributions to Akwa Ibom’s identity and growth will stand the test of time.
“Udom Emmanuel gave Akwa Ibom a soul—one we must guard fiercely,” he affirmed.
