A’Ibom boundary tension: Ibeno seeks government, security intervention over EPU remarks

Tony Okoh

Ibeno Clan Council has expressed concern over what it described as the Ekid People’s Union’s (EPU) purported declaration of a “Doctrine of Necessity,” warning that such a move could threaten peace and stability in Akwa Ibom State.

The council called on the Akwa Ibom State Government and relevant security agencies to closely monitor the activities of the EPU and its leadership, alleging that recent statements credited to the group were capable of escalating tensions surrounding the long-standing territorial dispute over the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve.

Speaking on Sunday at Upenekang in Ibeno Local Government Area, the Secretary of the Ibeno Clan Council, Chief Okon Udofia, faulted comments reportedly made by the President of the Ekid People’s Union, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, concerning the ownership and territorial status of the disputed forest reserve.

Chief Udofia described the remarks as “provocative, misleading and capable of undermining ongoing peace efforts” being championed by Governor Umo Eno to foster harmony and peaceful coexistence among communities in the state.

According to him, the EPU was attempting to create unnecessary tension among the people of Ibeno, Eket and Esit Eket through what he termed false narratives about the disputed territory.

The council maintained that historical records, official government surveys, court judgments, colonial documents and official maps dating back to the creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987 clearly indicate that Ibeno owns more than 70 per cent of the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, while Esit Eket and Mbo Local Government Areas share the remaining portion.

“The claims by Dr. Udonsak and the EPU remain wishful thinking that can never become reality. No amount of propaganda or emotional blackmail can alter facts that have existed for decades,” Chief Udofia stated.

He further argued that Akwa Ibom State has only one legally recognized map which has remained in use since the creation of the state, adding that no governor, political group or government agency other than the National Boundary Commission possesses the constitutional authority to alter state boundaries.

Chief Udofia cited a recent judgment of the Federal High Court delivered by Justice Hyeldzira Nganjiwa, which he said reaffirmed that only the National Boundary Commission has the constitutional mandate to define and delineate territorial and coastal boundaries.

He described attempts by the EPU to challenge the existing boundaries as legally untenable and misleading.
Reaffirming the constitutional status of Ibeno Local Government Area, the council noted that the area comprises twenty-five gazetted villages, including Ndito Eka Iba and Okposo, which it said have long been recognized within Ibeno’s territorial framework.

The council expressed particular concern over the EPU’s reference to a “Doctrine of Necessity,” describing it as a subtle call for confrontation and a challenge to constituted authority.

“We view the purported Doctrine of Necessity declaration by EPU as a direct challenge to the authority of the Akwa Ibom State Government and a potential threat to public peace and security,” Chief Udofia said.

The council also alleged that the EPU had abandoned its appeal case in Calabar and rejected several peace initiatives facilitated by Governor Umo Eno aimed at resolving the dispute through dialogue.

It further accused the union of pursuing campaigns that have negatively affected investor confidence and development efforts in Eket, urging the organization to focus on attracting development projects instead of laying claim to communities recognized as belonging to Ibeno.

According to the council, “Eket’s so-called ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ is nothing more than a failed survival strategy aimed at winning favourable public opinion and rallying support from the Ibibio people in its dispute with Ibeno over the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve.

“It raises a pertinent question: when did Eket, which for years derisively referred to the Ibibio as ‘Nsit Ibi Ekpugh,’ suddenly become a champion of Ibibio identity and solidarity?

“Today, Eket claims to be Ibibio because of the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve dispute. Opportunistic claims of Ibibio identity cannot confer ownership rights over the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve.”

The council further alleged that after failing in earlier attempts to sway public sentiment through traditional rulers, faith leaders and unregistered non-governmental organisations, some individuals resorted to using controversial channels to attack the state government and distort historical realities.

Chief Udofia said such actions only exposed what he described as desperation behind the campaign and did nothing to advance a lawful or credible claim to the disputed territory.

He stressed that respect for legally established boundaries and commitment to peaceful coexistence remained the only sustainable path toward lasting peace and development in the region.

The Ibeno Clan Council also joined other Nigerians in commemorating 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, congratulating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno on their third anniversary in office.

The council commended the leaders for their contributions to peace, economic growth and infrastructural development while reaffirming Ibeno’s commitment to supporting legitimate investments and development initiatives within the area.

“We shall continue to collaborate with government and private investors in the collective effort to develop Ibeno for the benefit of present and future generations,” Chief Udofia added.