Aniefiok Christopher
Akwa Ibom State Government has declared that no group or individual will be allowed to hinder development in any part of the state, insisting that all government projects will proceed as planned.
Governor Umo Eno stated this on Tuesday while inaugurating a newly constructed Model Health Centre at Nduo Eduo in Eket Local Government Area pointed out ‘‘Whatever will bring progress to Akwa Ibom, nobody will stop it.’’
He particularly condemned a recent warning issued by the Ekid Peoples Union, the apex sociocultural organisation of the Ekid people against development activities in the disputed Stubbs Creek Forest area.
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The group, in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, and Secretary, Barr. Bassey Dan Abia, cautioned the public, investors, and corporate organizations against land transactions within the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve.
Reacting, Governor Eno warned that no entity could stop the machinery of government, stressing that it was inappropriate for a group already in court over a land matter to assume the role of arbiters on the same issue.
He noted that the Federal Government is currently constructing the Coastal Highway project, which will pass through the disputed area, adding that despite petitions to federal authorities, development activities would not be stalled.
“It is better to embrace dialogue and avoid actions that could lead to needless bloodshed of innocent lives. Being confrontational does not bring progress. People negotiate with government and among themselves,” the Governor said.
The Governor recalled that similar actions had previously stalled a fertilizer plant project after a company was warned off the land, resulting in significant losses and missed employment opportunities for the people.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to statewide development, the Governor said impactful projects would continue to define his leadership.
“There a coastal line that is passing through Stubbs Creek. And some people are saying that we should pay compensation to them. I have seen a caveat emptor that we should pay compensation to owners. We will meet with force of nature. Nobody will stop the coastal Highway. I guarantee you. My responsibility is to build projects that benefit the people,” he stated.
He further charged the Medical Superintendent and staff of the facility to justify the government’s confidence by residing within the premises and making effective use of the equipment provided.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, said the facility aligns with the Governor’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes rural development and accessible healthcare.
“This world-class, solar-powered health centre is equipped with modern facilities and accommodation for doctors and nurses, all aimed at improving healthcare delivery to the people,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Hon. Akaninyene Tommy, highlighted several people-oriented projects executed by the Governor in the area and pledged continued support for his administration ahead of 2027.
Also speaking, a prominent leader in Eket, Chief Assam Assam (SAN), described the health centre as a fulfillment of the vision of late Dr. Ekwo, a respected medical practitioner from the area, and commended the Governor for honoring his promise.
The State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, praised Governor Eno’s developmental strides within two and a half years in office, urging residents to appreciate his sincerity of purpose.
EPU Warns prospective investors
The Ekid People’s Union had warned prospective investors, corporate organisations and the general public to steer clear of the disputed Stubb’s Creek Forest Reserve area in Akwa Ibom State.
The warning was contained in a public statement issued on Friday evening and jointly signed by the President General of EPU, Dr Samuel Udonsak, and the Secretary General, Bassey Dan Abia, a legal practitioner.
According to the statement, the land lying east of the Qua Iboe River along the Gulf of Guinea, popularly known as the Stubb’s Creek Forest Reserve and traditionally called Okoyak, Okoiyak or Akqiyak, is the ancestral land of the Ekid people.
The Stubb’s Creek Forest Reserve SCFR remains the largest surviving rainforest in Akwa Ibom State and is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including primates, reptiles and bird species.
Stubb’s Creek Forest Reserve, established by Nigerian colonial government in 1930 to protect its rich biodiversity (mangrove, freshwater swamps), has faced severe threats from oil exploration, logging, farming, and invasive species, leading to significant forest loss despite its gazetted status and importance for local communities and researchers.
Originally covering over 300 km², its area shrunk drastically due to human activities, sparking ongoing disputes between local communities (Eket, Ibeno) over its ownership and management, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
EPU stated that Ekid ownership of the land was judicially affirmed as far back as 1918 by the Privy Council in London in the case of Ntiaro and Ikpak v. Ibok Etukakpan and Edohoekit, as recorded in the Nigerian Law Reports.
It added that records of proceedings, including maps and survey plans tendered during the trial, remain available at the British National Library in Kew, Richmond, London.
The union stated that the land spans approximately 310 square kilometres, located between latitude 4 degrees 32 minutes north and 4 degrees 38 minutes north, and longitude 7 degrees 54 minutes east and 8 degrees 18 minutes east, covering parts of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas.
While acknowledging that the colonial government designated the area as a forest reserve under Forest Reserve Order Number 45 of 1930, EPU clarified that the designation did not amount to acquisition or extinguishment of Ekid ownership rights.
According to the union, the land was reserved strictly for conservation purposes and was never acquired as Crown Land or land for overriding public interest.
“The Ekid people were never divested of ownership of the land and still retain title or deemed right of occupancy under the Land Use Act of 1978,” the statement said.
EPU further accused the Akwa Ibom State Government of making what it described as fraudulent misrepresentations to the Federal Government as well as local and foreign investors concerning ownership of the land.
The union alleged that such misrepresentations have contributed to stalled investments in the area, including delays surrounding the Ibom Deep Seaport project.
Consequently, EPU warned that any individual, corporate entity or investor who deals with the state government, the Ibeno people or any other group as landlords over any portion of the Stubb’s Creek Forest Reserve within the stated coordinates does so entirely at their own risk.
The union reaffirmed its resolve to protect the ancestral land and heritage of the Ekid people and urged all stakeholders to take the caveat seriously.
