Sunday April 5, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Ibeno Clan Council, Akwa Ibom State, has described the purported resolutions of the Ekid People’s Union (EPU) at its recently concluded meeting as “reckless, inflammatory, and diversionary.”
In a strongly worded press statement issued on Sunday in Upenekang and titled “Truth Over Falsehood,” the Council, through its Secretary, Chief Udofia Okon Udofia, warned that Eket cannot dictate the political direction or future of Ibeno. He asserted that the people of Ibeno will no longer tolerate any attempt to undermine their political integrity or rights.
The statement, signed by Chief Udofia, was a direct response to a publication by the EPU which allegedly sought to “blacklist” Ibeno candidates in the forthcoming general elections and challenge the sovereignty of Ibeno Local Government Area.
Chief Udofia emphasized that Ibeno’s status as a full-fledged Local Government Area is grounded in federal law, not subject to the whims of any neighboring community.
“Ibeno is a sovereign geographical and political entity, created by the Federal Government of Nigeria on December 4, 1996, under the administration of General Sani Abacha,” the statement read.
The Council stressed that Ibeno remains an equal stakeholder in the Akwa Ibom project and “not a subordinate or an appendage of Eket,” dismissing the EPU’s claims as an attempt to cling to an “imaginary era of dominance.”
Addressing the recent peace accord between Ibeno and Esit Urua village—described by the EPU as “land grabbing” and cited as justification for the alleged blacklisting of Ibeno candidates—the Council condemned the Union’s position as “intellectually dishonest.”
Chief Udofia clarified that the agreement was a mutual pact for peaceful coexistence, noting that the people of Esit Urua had grown weary of being used as “pawns” in conflicts against their Ibeno neighbors and had voluntarily chosen peace over sustained hostility.
The Council also expressed disappointment in Chief (Hon.) Nduese Essien, accusing him of endorsing a document that promotes the political exclusion of Ibeno, despite having benefited from the community’s hospitality and support over the years.
On the issue of political blacklisting, Chief Udofia issued a firm warning ahead of the Federal Constituency elections, stating that “no candidate can secure victory in the constituency without the decisive support of Ibeno.” He added that if the current posture of hostility persists, Ibeno would be compelled to undertake a “comprehensive reassessment” of its political alliances.
The Council further encouraged all sons and daughters of Ibeno contesting elective positions to continue engaging and strategizing across the federal constituency within the ambit of the law, stressing that no single local government area or group within the federal constituency has the authority to hold Ibeno to ransom.
In addition, the Ibeno Clan Council challenged the EPU to present its grievances before the Peace Committee proposed by the Akwa Ibom State Government.
“Come to the table with relevant documents, gazetted maps, and verifiable facts to substantiate your claims on Ibeno land,” Chief Udofia stated. “No amount of falsehood can supplant the truth.”
He further urged the Union to pursue any legitimate claims through the appropriate legal channels not on the social media, including their abandoned case at the Court of Appeal in Calabar.
The Council concluded by commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno, and the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio for their efforts in fostering a level playing field for all candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It also urged the Ekid People’s Union to emulate the Governor’s leadership approach by promoting unity and constructive engagement, rather than resorting to divisive rhetoric capable of destabilizing the Eket Federal Constituency.
Ibeno is Not Your Appendage, Clan Council Replies EPU Over “Political Tyranny”, Others
