Ekid Nation cries out: Govt plans to decimate us

Ekid Nation cries out over what it describes as an orchestrated effort by the Akwa Ibom State Government to undermine its political and economic future.

At the Annual National Congress of the Ekid People’s Union, Dr. Samuel Udonsak voiced deep concerns about the actions of the state government. Udonsak is the Presidnet General of Ekid People’s Union, the apex socio-cultural organ of Eket and Esit Eket. According to him, the Ekid people are facing systemic victimization, economic suffocation, and political marginalization.

Dr. Udonsak pointed to the state government’s alleged involvement in an alleged illegal appropriation of land in Ekid. He accused the Commissioner for Lands of approving land sales to Ibeno and various other mining interests under questionable circumstances. These actions, he said, are taken under the guise of Ibeno ownership. The union said the government’s actions raise questions about the its commitment to the Privy Council Judgment. That judgement, Udonsak recalled, gave ownership of Stubb Creek area to Eket in 1928.

The theme of the congress was “Contemporary Politics and Development of Ekid”. Dr. Udonsak’s submission was that the future of Ekid Nation seems uncertain. The Ekid people now find themselves at a critical juncture, he said. Many attendees agreed with the fear that the state government’s actions reflect a broader plan to decimate the community’s political and economic power.

With accusations of victimization mounting, Medialord.ng gathered that the Ekid People’s Union is planning strong measures to defend its land and future.

The Union expressed concern about Gov. Umo Eno’s posturing over the land matter. Udonsak recalled that on March 1, 2024, Eno issued a proclamation that the Stubbs Creek Forest was now under government control. However, the Ekid people, especially those in Esit Urua, contest this decision. We gathered the plantation is a long-standing commercial venture and source of livelihood for the locals. Local leaders argue this is a deliberate attempt to economically cripple the Ekid people.

According to Udonsak: “How can this be explained? Any fair-minded person knows that the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve (SCFR) is a biodiversity hotspot containing various ecosystem types, including freshwater swamps, mangrove swamps and beach ridges, which form a habitat to a variety of flora and fauna, delineated by a survey plan.

“How then can a long-standing commercial Palm Plantation be said to be part of the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve?” Udonsak pondered whether “Ekid and all its political apparatchiks cannot compel government to do the right thing?”

The consequences of this action have been devastating for the people of Esit Urua, he said. The government has effectively barred the community from their plantation and livelihood. Local farmers now face severe economic hardship as they have no source of income.

“From the foregoing, it is clear that Ekid is at the precipice of a well-orchestrated conspiracy/ ploy to ensure it fails or become stunted in its political and economic development if nothing is done”, the EPU leader submitted.

 Exxon Mobil and Seplat’s role in the struggle

The issue of land ownership also extends to Exxon Mobil, now acquired by Seplat. The oil giant had previously recognized the Ekid people’s land rights, citing the Privy Council Judgment. Udonsak said Exxxxon Mobil is in possession of records showing that the land it occupies belongs to the Ekid people.

However, Exxon Mobil recently allegedly started paying 3.5% of its PIA capex to Ibeno as the landowners. This shift in allegiance has led to grave concerns.

The Ekid people said they are not taking this injustice lightly.  Udonsak called on the Ekid People’s Union to take decisive action. He announced a peaceful protest in Esit Urua on February 28, 2025. The outing will mark the anniversary of the Privy Council Judgment. The protest will also commemorate one year since the government’s decision to seize the Esit Urua Plantation.