RismadarVoice Reporters, April 27, 2026
A political advocacy group, the Liberation Movement for Eket Federal Constituency, has raised serious concerns over what it describes as actions by the constituency’s current representative in the House of Representatives that undermine the interests and identity of the Ekid people.
The group made this known during a press briefing at the NUJ Secretariat held on Monday April 27, 2026.
Speaking during the briefing, the President of the Movement, Barr. Linus Ukpong; Secretary, Barr. Ephraim Ememobong and BOT Chairman, Hon. Pst. Joseph Mbong, said it convened to review the state of political representation and assess the future of the constituency, which comprises Eket, Onna, and Esit Eket local government areas in Akwa Ibom State.
They alleged that within the past three years, the federal lawmaker representing the constituency has been involved in initiatives perceived as detrimental to the Ekid people, who it noted constitute the majority in the area.
Among the grievances listed were the co-sponsorship of a bill seeking to remove Eket, Onna, and Esit Eket from the list of oil-producing communities, as well as actions allegedly aimed at altering the ancestral identity of the Ekid people. The group also cited opposition to the Akwa Ibom State map in ways it claimed could deny the affected local government areas access to the Atlantic coastline, thereby impacting their economic prospects.
Additionally, the communiqué referenced disputes surrounding the historical ownership of the Stubbs Creek Forest, known locally as Akoiyak Ekid, describing the developments as part of a broader, long-standing effort to marginalise the Ekid people dating back to the 1950s.
In response, the Movement reaffirmed its support for the “Doctrine of Necessity” earlier proclaimed by the Ekid People’s Union on March 27, 2026. It described the doctrine as a critical step toward preserving the identity, rights, and heritage of the Ekid people.
The group also declared its political stance ahead of the upcoming elections, endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and backing the re-election bid of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Bassey Eno for a second term, citing their leadership and commitment to governance.
It also commended Governor Eno for what it described as his commitment to a free and fair political environment, referencing remarks made during his 62nd birthday address.
On internal political arrangements, the Movement rejected the use of zoning as a mechanism for power rotation if it would, in its view, return leadership to individuals it described as antagonistic to Ekid interests. It warned against what it termed manipulation by “selfish individuals” for personal gain.
The communiqué called on traditional rulers, political leaders, civil society groups, and residents of the constituency to promote unity, mutual respect, and sustainable development.
