By Assam Abia.
The Ekid Peoples Union (EPU) has reaffirmed its resolve to defend the ancestral heritage, land rights and political interest of the Ekid nation through lawful and peaceful means.
The President General of EPU, Dr Samuel Udonsak, stated this at the unionโs general meeting held on Thursday at the EPU Secretariat in Eket.
Udonsak said the meeting was convened to review developments affecting the Ekid people between January and May 2026 and to strengthen strategies for protecting the collective interest of the nation.
He announced the death of Obong Iwaad Emmanuel Mbong, whom he described as an active member of the union, politician and community leader committed to youth mobilisation, peace and progress.
The EPU president said the unionโs advocacy over its rights in the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve reached a critical stage after its 2025 Annual Congress, leading to the issuance of a Caveat Emptor on the reserve.
He said the development led to pressure on the union and its leadership, adding that intervention by senior political and community leaders brought some relief.
Dr Udonsak, however, lamented the continued detention of Princess Godโsown Udoito, who he said was arrested on Jan. 13, 2026, and had since been remanded at the Uyo Correctional Centre.
He said her bail application had been declined, despite the fact that her purported offense is bailable, while the appeal and substantive case were ongoing.
โSince this matter is before the court of law, we shall restrict our comments and trust that justice will be done,โ he said.
Udonsak commended individuals and institutions working for her release and urged Ekid people to remain prayerful, peaceful and committed to mediation.
He also expressed regret over the hurt caused to Gov. Umo Eno, his family and supporters by the style and tone of the unionโs advocacy, saying the union had de-escalated its actions to create room for dialogue.
On land matters, Udonsak accused Ibeno interests of sustaining attempts to undermine Ekid claims over Akoiyak Ekid, including alleged efforts to rename communities, challenge official maps and identify Ekid villages as Ibeno villages.
He said the unionโs Doctrine of Necessity remained a survival strategy aimed at protecting Ekid inheritance for future generations.
The EPU president commended Gov. Eno for his vision on roads, and the proposed Nnung UdoeโOkposo Road, describing them as projects capable of opening up the blue economy.
He appealed for the construction of the eight-kilometre EdoโNdito Eka Iba Road to complement the development and the Coastal Highway.
Udonsak also welcomed the Senate President, Godswill Akpabioโs declaration on the delineation of new State constituencies in Akwa Ibom, calling for the creation of Eket North and Eket South State Constituencies.
He said Eket Local Government Area had the voter and population strength to qualify for two state constituencies in line with INEC guidelines.
The union also urged traditional rulers to give effect to earlier deliberations on marriage and funeral rites.
Dr Udonsak called on Ekid people to remain united, peaceful and steadfast in defence of their identity, heritage and future.