Oron women condemn online attacks over seaport row

The Oron Union Women’s Wing International has urged the Akwa Ibom State Government, particularly Governor Pastor Umo Eno, to handle the lingering controversy over the Ibaka Deep Seaport project with caution, warning that the dispute has exposed Oron women to public attacks and ridicule on social media.

The group’s International President, Mrs Kate Hensley, appealed on Monday during its monthly general meeting in Uyo.

She was reacting to a viral video circulating on Facebook and TikTok in which Miss Emem Gregory Peter, of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, allegedly described Oron women using derogatory terms and accused Oro Nation of frustrating the seaport project while its women and children engaged in commercial sex work in Lagos, Abuja and other major cities.

Hensley said the video maker had attached clips of statements by former Governor Udom Emmanuel and the incumbent, Governor Umo Eno, to support her claims. She added that the posture of the previous administration on Oro Nation’s role in the seaport project had, over the years, left people of Oro extraction, particularly women, vulnerable to such attacks.

Not opposed to the seaport

Hensley clarified that Oron women are not against the Ibaka Deep Seaport project. “Our earnest prayer is that the deep seaport comes to fruition, to provide gainful employment for the people of Akwa Ibom State, where unemployment is prevalent,” she said.

While condemning the attacks, she commended the Umo Eno administration for what she described as quality leadership and its emphasis on women’s inclusion in governance and welfare programmes for women and children.

She said the last three years of the Umo Eno–Akon Eyakenyi-led administration had given Oro Nation a greater sense of belonging, citing projects such as the Uyo–Nsit Atai–Oron Road to Uya Oro Junction, now at an advanced stage of construction; the ongoing renovation of Oron Beach; the establishment of model Primary Healthcare Centres; and the Compassionate Homes Project.

Call for unity

Hensley urged groups and individuals across the state to promote peace and unity, stressing that a stable atmosphere is necessary to drive meaningful development in Akwa Ibom. She also called for continued support for the Umo Eno administration.

The Oron Union Women’s Wing International is the apex women’s body of Oro Nation.