โฆInsist on implementation of court judgments, accuse government operatives of meddling.
By Assam Abia.
Stakeholders of Ekid Nation, comprising leaders from Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas, have rejected Governor Umo Enoโs proposed Committee on Stubbs Creek Forest, describing it as โspurious, unnecessary and suspicious.โ
At an expanded meeting held on August 22, 2025, at the Atan Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Eket, the Ekid leaders argued that the issue of Stubbs Creek ownership has been conclusively settled by multiple court judgments spanning over a century, including landmark rulings by the Privy Council in London (1916โ1918) and subsequent judicial commissions in Nigeria.
According to the communique, the stakeholders see no legitimate reason to set up another committee to review settled judgments or existing statutes. They accused unnamed government officials of using the Ibeno people as a โsmokescreenโ to push through questionable land deals in the forest, enriching themselves at the expense of the true landowners.
โWhat the Ekid people seek is not conflict, but justice, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. No committee or government initiative will bring fairness until these backdoor arrangements are stopped,โ the stakeholders declared.
The meeting recalled the long history of concessions made by Ekid people to Ibeno, who migrated to the Qua Iboe River estuary in the 18th century and were initially allocated land on the seashore strictly for fishing activities. Over time, more land was granted for burials, a dispensary, and a native court.
The stakeholders alleged that Ibenoโs subsequent territorial expansion, especially after the creation of Ibeno Local Government in 1996, came largely through encroachment into Ekid land. They cited incidents in 2001 and 2008, when state governments had to intervene to restrain Ibeno from further incursions.
โAfter all these concessions, the Ekid people are no longer desirous of shifting grounds. The ultimate desire of Ibeno has always been to take the entire Stubbs Creek Forest, which historically and legally belongs to Ekid,โ the statement emphasized.
The stakeholders reminded the Governor of the Justice Olatawura Judicial Commission of Enquiry in 1978, which was dissolved on its first day after Chief Obafemi Awolowo, then counsel to Oron, agreed that the matter was already conclusively decided by the Privy Council.
They also cited the 1993 ruling of Justice Ephraim Akpata, who barred Ibeno from making further claims on the forest, invoking the principle of res judicata.
โIs the Governorโs proposed committee going to be superior to judicial commissions headed by eminent judges of the Supreme Court?โ the stakeholders queried.
The Ekid leaders urged the state government to desist from setting up another committee and instead implement existing decisions, including the demolition of illegal structures within the forest. They maintained that Stubbs Creek Forest should be developed transparently in collaboration with its legitimate owners.
The statement was endorsed by prominent Ekid leaders including:
His Majesty Edidem E. C. D. Abia, Paramount Ruler of Eket
His Highness Eteudo Ikot, President, Esop Mbong Ekid
Chief (Hon.) Nduese Essien, former Minister and ex-federal lawmaker
Prof. Etie Ben Akpan and Obongawan Grace Ikot, BOT Members, Ekid People Union
Dr. Samuel Udonsak, National President, Ekid People Union
Hon. (Bar) Bassey Dan Abia, National Secretary, Ekid People Union
Sir (Dr) Udojiu Udoyiu, National Vice President, Ekid People Union
And other notable stakeholders.
The communique concluded with a firm warning: โThe Ekid people will firmly resist any attempt at further balkanisation of Stubbs Creek Forest, whether for the benefit of Ibeno or any other vested interest.