By Solomon OKPO
UYO, The Ekid Peoples Union (EPU) has reacted to the recent revocation order by the Akwa Ibom State Government on all land allocations made from May 29, 2023, expressing cautious optimism but urging Governor Umo Eno to take sincere and comprehensive steps to address long-standing irregularities in the Ministry of Lands, particularly concerning Stubbs Creek Forest (Akoiyak Ekid).
In a statement jointly signed by its President General, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, and Secretary General, Barr. Bassey Dan-Abia, the Union said the revocation order vindicates its repeated calls against years of alleged illegal allocations, abuse of due process, and racketeering in the state’s land administration.
According to the Union, the Lands Ministry has for years been “aiding, abetting, and profiting” from illegal land allocations and large-scale unauthorized mining within Stubbs Creek Forest. It alleged that vast portions of Ekid land had been confiscated and handed over to private investors, while proceeds of the transactions were mishandled, with government officials accused of complicity.
