BY SOLOMON OKPO
The President General of the Ekid Peoples Union (EPU), Dr. Samuel Udonsak, has called for sustained dialogue, justice, and unity among Ekid people amid the lingering controversy surrounding the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve (SCFR) and the incarceration of Princess God’sown Udoito.
Dr. Udonsak made the call during the Union’s General Meeting held on Thursday at the EPU Secretariat in Eket, where he addressed members on developments affecting the union and the collective interest of Ekid people between January and May 2026.
The EPU leader described the period under review as turbulent, stressing that the meeting was convened to reflect on recent events and chart a path for the survival and progress of the Ekid nation.
He expressed sadness over the death of Obong Iwaad Emmanuel Mbong, describing him as an active member of the union, respected politician, and community mobiliser whose contributions to peace and development would be greatly missed.
The meeting observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased and other departed faithful.
Speaking on the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve dispute, Dr. Udonsak recalled that following the issuance of a Caveat Emptor approved at the Union’s 2025 Annual Congress, members of the Union and its leadership allegedly came under pressure.
He noted that Princess God’sown Udoito was arrested on January 13, 2026, and remains in custody at the Uyo Correctional Centre after her bail application was denied.
While maintaining that the matter is before the court, the EPU President General expressed confidence that justice would prevail and appreciated individuals and groups working quietly for her release.
“We are confident, by the grace of God, she will regain her freedom soon,” he said.
Dr. Udonsak also admitted that the advocacy style adopted by the union deeply hurt Governor Umo Eno, his family, and loyalists, expressing regret over the emotional impact of the campaign.
According to him, the union had deliberately de-escalated its advocacy to create room for dialogue and peaceful mediation despite alleged provocations from neighbouring Ibeno communities.
He urged members to remain calm and prayerful until the crisis is resolved.
The EPU President General accused some interests in Ibeno of making sustained attempts to alter the identity and territorial integrity of Ekid communities, citing alleged efforts to rename villages, challenge official maps, and claim parts of Ekid land.
He alleged that certain organisations had printed educational materials identifying Ekid villages as Ibeno settlements and constructed facilities in disputed communities under different identities.
Dr. Udonsak said these developments informed the Union’s “Doctrine of Necessity” (DON), a political strategy aimed at protecting Ekid interests by withholding electoral support from perceived adversaries.
He urged members to sustain the doctrine for the preservation of the heritage and future of unborn generations.
On infrastructure development, the EPU leader commended Governor Umo Eno for the proposed Coastal Road project and the planned Nnung Udoe–Okposo Road, describing the initiatives as critical to the development of the blue economy in the area.
He also appealed to the state government to construct the Edo–Ndito Eka Iba Road to complement ongoing projects in the region.
Dr. Udonsak further welcomed the recent declaration by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the proposed delineation of new state constituencies in Akwa Ibom State.
He argued that based on voter population figures from the 2023 elections, Eket Local Government Area qualifies for two state constituencies, Eket North and Eket South and called for their creation.
The EPU President General also expressed hope that previous discussions on marriage and funeral rites reforms among the Ekid people would soon be implemented through the support of traditional rulers.
He concluded by urging members to remain united and committed to the collective survival, peace, and advancement of the Ekid nation.
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