Friday July 11, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
…Warns Against Ibibio Land Grabs in Name of Obolo State Creation
The President-General of Eket People’s Union (EPU), Dr. Samuel Udonsak, has praised former Governor Udom Emmanuel for giving Akwa Ibom State its first real sense of identity through the creation of a state anthem, logo, and official map.
Speaking in a media chat, Dr. Udonsak described Emmanuel’s leadership as “too vast to grasp from a single perspective,” but singled out three symbolic milestones including the anthem, flag/logo, and state map, as key legacies that have strengthened the state’s unity and pride.
“Before Udom Emmanuel, nobody thought of a state anthem or even a proper map. It took his vision to establish a true identity for Akwa Ibom, even I, who once aspired to be governor, never considered these symbols. But today, when I hear that anthem, see the flag, or look at the map, I know we have something worth defending.” he said.
Dr. Udonsak also referenced the long-standing agitation by Eket and other communities over inconsistencies in the 1990 state creation records, which altered local government names and headquarters. According to him, former Governor Emmanuel addressed the matter with “thoroughness and fairness,” culminating in the production of a coordinate-based map grounded in historical records and court rulings.
“That map is more than a document, it is a shield. It defends our lands, our rights, and our history,” he asserted, adding that Emmanuel will remain a revered figure not only in Eket but across the broader Ibibio nation.
On the contentious issue of state creation, particularly the proposed Obolo State, Dr. Udonsak issued a stern warning against any attempt to annex Ibibio lands under the guise of new state formation. While expressing support for legitimate calls for more states, he condemned any plan that would include Eket, Onna, Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi, or Esit Eket in the proposed Obolo territory.
“I am not opposed to state creation, but I firmly reject any effort to carve out a state on the land of another people. That is not only unjust; it is provocative. Blood has been spilled over these boundary disputes. We will not support any attempt to disguise a land grab as statehood,” he said.
Citing the 1936 Intelligence Report, Dr. Udonsak claimed there have been persistent attempts to force a territorial link between Oron and Ibeno through contested areas, resulting in decades of unrest, intimidation, and violence.
He also addressed the ongoing court case regarding the Akwa Ibom Map Law, revealing that the matter has progressed to the Appeal Court. However, he expressed disappointment with the conduct of the trial judge, alleging bias and loss of confidence among the affected communities.
“We are confident in our case. We have the facts on our side, and facts are sacred,” he declared.
Responding to narratives suggesting that Eket’s development stalled after 2015 and only resumed in 2023, Dr. Udonsak dismissed such claims as misinformed.
“Anyone who says nothing happened in Eket during Udom’s tenure is ignoring the evidence, the roads, the boulevards, the stadium, the General Esuene statue. These are lasting legacies of his administration,” he noted.
He further commended Udom Emmanuel’s industrialization policy, particularly the establishment of the syringe factory and coconut refinery, describing them as bold initiatives backed by sound economic reasoning.
“Governor Emmanuel brought a global investment mindset to governance. If some industries are struggling today, the blame should rest on those managing them now, not on the man who conceived and built them,” he said.
Dr. Udonsak concluded by wishing the former governor continued success, applauding his foresight, energy, and enduring contributions to the growth and identity of Akwa Ibom State.
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