The Ibeno stakeholders have reportedly clashed with the Ekid people over the latter’s alleged opposition to a billboard for Senator Godswill Akpabio, which was sighted in strategic locations in Eket Local Government.
The Eket people, under the auspices of Ekid union, had reportedly opposed Senator Akpabio’s billboard, questioning the rationale behind such billboards since Senator Akpabio is not from the senatorial district.
Reacting in Uyo on Wednesday, the Ibeno Elders, through their spokesperson, Mr Diamond Akpanika (Barrister), condemned the Ekid People’s Union’s objection to Senator Godswill Akpabio’s billboards, describing it as “political emptiness and inferiority complex masquerading as activism.”
Akpanika eulogised Senator Akpabio, describing him as a detribalised leader whose influence extends beyond Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.
“Senator Akpabio is not just a senator for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District; he is the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. By virtue of that office, his impact is national,” Akpanika said, noting that Akpabio’s position as the Senate President is a strategic advantage to Akwa Ibom State and should attract support from home rather than hostility.
He cited the Senate President’s empowerment programmes across Akwa Ibom, including the donation of 10 outboard engines, fishing boats, and fishing gear to riverine women and cooperatives in the Eket Senatorial District in December 2025, as well as Federal appointments facilitated for indigenes.
“Ekid People union is not a victim of neglect. What is driving this hatred is envy of Senator Akpabio’s influence, acceptance and national relevance. This is political emptiness and an inferiority complex masquerading as activism,” he said.
Akpanika further accused the Eket people’s union of sabotaging development in Akwa Ibom by opposing major investment opportunities through petitions, protests and blackmail, alleging that projects including the Amakpe Refinery, Qua Steel, Dr Pepper Project, Chinese market investments, BUA Refinery, East–West Road, NAF Air Base and the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway have been allegedly been sabotaged stating that, “after driving away investors, they turn around to cry of unemployment.
“You cannot smash your own plate and later complain there is no food,” Akpanika said.
He commended Governor Umo Eno for his courageous stand on the dispute over the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, saying that the hostility toward him stems from his refusal to compromise on the facts of the issue.
“The Governor stood by the truth and rejected a fake state map concocted under the previous administration. That courage is the real offence,” he said.
He urged Eket interest groups to eschew bitterness, embrace political maturity and hold their own leaders accountable.
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