29/05/2026
EPU VOWS COMMITMENT TO RIGHTS PROTECTION, SEEKS FREEDOM FOR PRINCESS UDOITO
..Chief Nduese Essien, Sen. Helen Esuene, ors, call for modification of the bride price, marriage and burial list
Ekid People’s Union (EPU) has assured that despite the turbulent experiences that have befallen the union, it will remain unwavering in the pursuit of the community’s interests and protecting its historical rights and assets.
The Union states this during the quarterly congress held yesterday, 28th May, 2026, at the Union’s Secretariat, Ikot Ibiok, Eket.
Addressing the congress, President General of EPU, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, said the meeting provided an opportunity to “reflect deeply on the turbulent period of January to May 2026” and fashion strategies for sustaining the Union and the collective interest of Ekid people.
Dr. Udonsak opened with the announcement of the death of Obong Iwaad Emmanuel Mbong, whom he described as “an active member of the Union, an active politician, and a foremost community leader endowed with the natural talent of mobilising youths for peace and progress.” Congress observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Mbong and other departed faithfuls.
On the advocacy over the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, SCFR, the President General recalled that after the Union issued a Caveat Emptor as approved at the 2025 Annual Congress, the Union and its leadership were “immediately targeted.” He expressed gratitude for the intervention of senior political and community leaders, which brought respite to the union's leadership.
However, Dr. Udonsak lamented that the respite did not extend to Princess Godsown Udoito, who was arrested on January 13, 2026, and has since been remanded at the Uyo Correctional Centre. “Her bail application was declined, and the subsequent appeal and the substantive case are now ongoing. Since this matter is before the court of law, we shall restrict our comments and trust that justice will be done,” he stated.
The union saluted individuals and institutions working for her release, expressing confidence that “by the grace of God, she will be free soon.” Dr. Udonsak also acknowledged those who had apologised on her behalf, pleading for her unconditional release.
Speaking further, the EPU President General admitted that Governor Umo Eno, his family, and loyalists were “deeply hurt by the style and tone of our advocacy.” He added, “I have admitted privately and now publicly, how sincerely we regret the hurt they are passing through. It was in admission of this and to pave the way for dialogue that the Union completely deescalated its advocacy.”
Despite what he termed “intense and persistent provocation” by Ibeno neighbours, Dr. Udonsak said the Union had remained quiet and urged the meeting to “resolve to continue to pray; to persist with mediation, until this cup passes us by and our Princess is free.”
Reviewing activities of Ibeno neighbours dating back to the 1918 Privy Council judgment on Akoiyak, the Union alleged ongoing attempts to “dispose us of Akoiyak - our God-given inheritance.” Dr. Udonsak cited recent examples, including alleged attempts to change the names of Eket and Esit Eket LGAs, challenge the official map of Akwa Ibom State, and “even attempt to take our land to create Obollo State.”
He further accused the Ibeno Host Community Development Trust of printing exercise books listing Ekid villages as Ibeno villages and building a civic center at Esuk Ikim, an Ekid village, and labeling it Ibeno. “All to mutilate our claims on Akoiyak Ekid, as part of a well-defined and sustained template by Ibeno to take away our inheritance,” he said.
According to him, this situation gave birth to the Doctrine of Necessity, DON, which he described as “a potent survival strategy not to empower our adversaries.” He maintained that "the DON has been well received and urged the congress to sustain it until our survival and inheritance are no longer threatened.”
On infrastructure, Dr. Udonsak disclosed that the Union has drawings of the Coastal Road alignment, confirming it passes deep in our territory and not through Akoiyak Ekid. He commended Governor Umo Eno for the planned award of the Nnung Udoe - Okposo Road and appealed for construction of the 8km Edo - Ndito Eka Iba Road to complement it.
The Union also welcomed Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s declaration on the delineation of new state constituencies, calling for the creation of Eket North and Eket South state constituencies based on 2023 voter population figures, with Esit-Eket in consideration.
The congress further deliberated on the need for traditional rulers to give effect to modifications on marriage and funeral rites, an initiative they reportedly began.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of EPU, Rt. Hon. Chief Nduese Essien, noted that, "it is the responsibility of the traditional rulers to regulate these practices as they are more familiar with the traditions.
He commended the communities of Ekid Nation for their interests in community affairs while thanking the Union for the revival of the community spirit.
Essien, who pleaded for the spirit to be sustained, frowned at the recent political events, noting that, "we have continued to condone ill-doings, and we need to do something about it".
Also, speaking Senator (Archbishop) Helen Esuene, lauded the initiative of adjusting the marriage list, bride price, and funeral rites, urging communities to embrace the opportunity.
Esuene decried the weight of burden these lists have brought on many families, adding that, it is a serious barrier to families and young people intending to marry.
Member of the BOT, Prof. Des Wilson, President of Afigh Iwaad Ekid, Capt. Willie Mbong, Pastor Isaiah Abia in their remarks charged Ekid people to stay the course, take necessary actions that aligns with the community's interests.
In his remarks, the Secretary General of the Union, Barr. Bassey Dan Abia, KJW, who explained the Doctrine of Necessity, said, it is a position of self-determination, assuring that, "we will see it through and other issues raised in the congress, we will work to bring them to the shores of success".
