Eket, January 16, 2025 – The Ekid People’s Union (EPU), representing the Ekid people of Eket and Esit Eket, has presented its position on the contentious land issues surrounding the Stubbs Creek Forest to the Akwa Ibom State Land Use Allocation Committee. Speaking on behalf of the union, its National President, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, conveyed the concerns and demands of the Ekid people regarding the allocation and use of their ancestral lands.
In his address, Dr. Udonsak extended compliments from the Paramount Rulers of Eket and Esit Eket, His Royal Majesties Edidem ECD Abia and Ubong Peter Assam, under whose authority the EPU operates. He acknowledged the ongoing court case over BUA Group’s alleged encroachment on Ekid land but noted that the Ekid people had agreed to explore an out-of-court settlement proposed by the State’s Director of Civil Litigations.
While commending BUA Group for its refinery and petrochemical project, which is expected to boost Nigeria’s economy, the EPU stressed that the government had misled the company into encroaching on Ekid land. Dr. Udonsak urged the committee to ensure that all land allocations in the Stubbs Creek Forest adhere to due process and respect the ownership rights of the Ekid people.
“The Stubbs Creek Forest, known as Akoiyak Ekid, belongs to the Ekid people by virtue of a 1918 Privy Council judgment. This judgment remains binding and cannot be overridden by any edict, gazette, or executive order,” Dr. Udonsak asserted. He emphasized that no acquisition of the forest by the government or private entities could occur without the express consent of the Ekid people.
The EPU outlined the legal process for acquiring land in the Stubbs Creek Forest, which includes de-reservation by the government, negotiation of lease terms with the Ekid people, and the subsequent issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Dr. Udonsak cited the ExxonMobil QIT project as an example of compliance with this process and criticized BUA and other companies for failing to follow similar steps.
The union also raised concerns about allocations of land in the forest to other entities, including Chinese mining companies and a proposed beach resort, describing such allocations as illegal and vowing to resist them. Dr. Udonsak further alleged that even lands currently occupied by the neighboring Ibeno people belong to the Ekid, as upheld by the 1918 judgment.
In conclusion, the EPU called on BUA Group to fulfill its obligations by engaging directly with the Ekid people for land lease agreements and obtaining proper titles through the government. The union warned that any failure to follow these steps would be met with resistance.
“We seek justice, equity, and fair play in all dealings involving the Stubbs Creek Forest. No meaningful investment or development can occur without these principles,” Dr. Udonsak declared.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for peaceful and lawful resolution of the land disputes, as the Ekid people remain committed to protecting their heritage and ensuring sustainable development in their region.
