Group cautions EPU over attack on Ibeno monarch

Eket and Ibeno Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State are engaged in a verbal conflict. They are arguing over the abysmal performance of the former governor, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

The altercation follows the recent appraisal of Udom’s era by the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno, Prof. Effiong Archianga, JP, who rated the performance of the immediate past governor as abysmal and far below average.

HRM Archianga had an interactive session with newsmen in his palatial home in Ibeno. He discussed both state issues and national issues. He decried Udom’s administration as anti-people. The administration sowed seeds of discord. It created divisiveness and strife and promoted ethnicity, and had a low development index.

The Royal Majesty further explained that Emmanuel ruled Akwa Ibom State from 2015 to 2023. He specifically served two terms from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023. He left the state poorly governed. One of his unpopular decisions involved a failed attempt. He tried to remap local government boundaries in the oil-bearing communities of Mbo, Eastern Obolo, and Ibeno council areas. Villages were wrongly ceded to another with selfish interest. This led to communal crises, violence, and bloodshed.

The royal father also pointed at the “Absolute Monarch Law.” This law elevated the Ibibio Monarch to the position of the live Supreme Monarch in the state. The Monarch is also the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium and Oku Ibom Ibibio. This was against the previous rotational arrangement. It sparked ethnic animosity. Disunity and violence arose between the three major tribes of Ibibio, Annang, Oron, and Obolos. This occurred where the title usually rotates.

However, Eket neighbours, in their expression of differences to the scorecard, condemned the paramount ruler’s critical disposition of the administration. They viewed it as lies borne out of hatred and sentiments.

They argued that the former governor’s achievements spread widely across the 31 LGAs. This included Ibeno with road infrastructure. Political appointments were also to Udom Emmanuel’s credit.

In a release sponsored by Dr. Samuel Udonsak. He is the president of Eket People’s Union. The president faulted the revered monarch for not making his assessment with a good conscience.

Dr. Udonsak described the Paramount Ruler’s remarks as inflammatory. The comments can stoke the embers of violence. He asked for a recant.

An Ibeno apex socio-cultural organisation, the Ulok Ulok Progressives Assembly (UUPA), expressed dismay. They were concerned about the attack on their Paramount Ruler by Eket. They wondered how his views on national and state issues should concern the Ekets. His views were expressed within the constitutionally guaranteed right in Nigeria.

The Secretary of Ibeno Clan Council (ICC), Chief Udofia Okon Udofia, spoke on behalf of the group. He wondered when and how the Eket people suddenly became the megaphone and mouthpiece of former Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Chief Okon Udofia described the president of Ekid People’s Union as the proverbial petrel whose noise always spells doom. He often dashed into Akwa Ibom State from his haven in Port Harcourt. His intent was to incite his people to attack Ibeno.

“Eket and Esit Eket stood at the vantage positions. They were poised to curiously gain from the evil and criminal map. Udom Emmanuel attempted to foist this map on the state inexorably. Udonsak has not recovered from the disappointment. He fears that such a map never see the light of day.

“The Paramount Ruler, Prof. Archianga, on June 3, 2025, addressed the media on some issues of national interest. He congratulated Nigerians on 26 years of uninterrupted democracy. He also congratulated Governor Umo Eno on his two years in office as Governor. Additionally, he congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his two years as President.

“He admonished the political office holders to be more circumspect in the discharge of their responsibilities to the masses. He encouraged Pastor Eno to lead Akwa Ibom progressively by joining forces with President Tinubu and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. This collaboration aims to attract more dividends of democracy to Akwa Ibom State.

Back home in the State, he critically evaluated the immediate past administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel. He criticized the governor for his unimpressive eight years in office. He also mentioned the ill-conceived and controversial remapping of three LGAs: Ibeno, Eastern Obolo, and Mbo,” he explained.

Chief Udofia also pointed out the controversial “Tenure-for-Life.” The former governor gave this position to just one ethnic group. They served as head of the apex traditional institution in the state. He encouraged the current Governor to prioritise the welfare and peace of the masses over personal gains.

Chief Udofia, therefore, frowned at the meddlesomeness of Dr. Udonsak and the so-called Eket Integrity Alliance (EIA). They intervened in the matter. They did not allow the parties concerned to defend themselves.

The Ulok Ulok Progressives Assembly (UUPA) listed several industries and projects. They are considered failed legacies and abandoned projects of former Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration. These include the Pencil Industry, Paper Industry, Plastic Industry, and Toothpick Industry.

Other industries are the Bamboo Industry, Syringe manufacturing Industry, and importation of high-breed Mexican cows for the dairy industry. The list also contains the Car Assembly Plant. It also includes Garri processing factories, Fertiliser blending plant, and Rice farm. Additionally, there is Peacock Paint and Coconut Oil Refinery.

While calling on Dr. Udonsak to indicate the current locations of the above-mentioned projects in Akwa Ibom, he warned the raucous medical doctor. These projects have been left behind after the inglorious exit of their initiator.

He also warned the Eket Integrity Alliance to desist from further attacks on their Paramount Ruler. The ruler dared to speak truth to power, no matter whose Ox was gored. Such actions would not be taken lightly.