Ekid People's Union - EPU

25/04/2026

DR SAMUEL UDONSAK RECEIVES RT HON. ETTEH, SAYS ‘DOCTRINE OF NECESSITY’ IS SACROSANCT BUT NOT PERSONAL.

As the contest for the Eket Federal House of Representative seat builds up, Hon Okpolopm Etteh, member representing Eket Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, today visited Dr. Samuel Udonsak, the President General of Ekid People's Union at his family residence at Afaha Eket Road, Eket.

The House of Representative Member, said he came to explain to the President General that he is innocent of all the allegations against him.

He availed the President General of confidential official documents in an attempt to absolve himself of responsibility for LGAs name change, Obolo State creation and protests against the AKS Map Law 2023.

The lawmaker further stressed that if he did not return, the Federal Constituency would not have a ranking member. He noted that ranking members have specific privileges and established network to offer better representation. He further assured that he is still in the race.

In his response, Dr. Udonsak reminisced over their longstanding relationship spanning through his 2003 governorship campaigns to that of 40 days and 40 nights in G22.

The EPU President General said he was pleased at the opportunity to inform him and everyone that Ekid’s Doctrine of Necessity was well researched, well consulted, is sacrosanct; and our support for any aspiring candidate will be based on our Doctrine of Necessity.

“Brother, I know how this your things run, I wish you the best of luck.” Dr Udonsak concluded.

24/04/2026

EPU PRESIDENT RECEIVES EKET EFC ASPIRANT, DR. EUNICE THOMAS

Dr. Samuel Udonsak, President General, Ekid People's Union, on Friday, 24th April, 2026, received Dr. Eunice Thomas, an aspirant for the Eket Federal Constituency seat, and the spouse Engr. Samuel Ekpenyong, in a courtesy visit at his residence, Afaha Eket Road, Eket Local Government.

In her remarks, the EFC aspirant Dr. Eunice Thomas, thanked the President General for his warm reception, describing him as a simple, humble and easy going person.

"To be received here today gives me the family feeling. I miss no steps coming to your home". You're somebody I admire; your simplicity, humility and I admire you and respect you so much".

She asserted that these are sensitive times and we need to engage robustly to address certain issues within our community.

"We have to strengthen our peace and foster unity. We will do our best to bring development and progress to our Federal Constituency and restore the pride of place of Eket".

Dr. Thomas, thanked the President General for the audience and pledged to run an issue-based campaign focused on legislation, federal projects, and inclusive representation if given the mandate.

In his response, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, expressed deep pleasure for the visit noting that, there has been a long standing cordial relationship with the family of Engr. Samuel Ekpenyong, and his, adding that, he has sustained a heart of love, goodwill and warm relationship.

On the 2027 Eket Federal Constituency election, he noted that, the position of Ekid People's Union on the "Doctrine of Necessity" is subsisting and every aspirant will be evaluated within the context of the ordinance.

Udonsak wished her good luck in her endeavours.

10/04/2026

Our personal values and integrity are closely tied to our roots... ✊🏿
Team Udonsak!

06/04/2026

EPU PRESIDENT CELEBRATES GRANDDAUGHTER'S DEDICATION IN EKET

The dedication service of Little Miss Zayelle Uwana-abasi Udonsak, granddaughter of Dr. Samuel Udonsak, President General of Ekid People's Union (EPU), took a touching turn when the president explained why he chose Eket for the celebration.

The star-studded dedication service took place at Qua Iboe Church, Afaha Eket, on 5th April, 2026.

It was a celebration of root, family, and faith, as Little Miss Zayelle Uwana-abasi Udonsak, was presented to the church for dedication and blessings.

Speaking during the church dedication service, President General disclosed his attachment to Qua Iboe Church, Afaha Eket, Eket Local Government, stating that he wanted his first grandchild to be dedicated at Qua Iboe Church, Afaha Eket.

“I insisted that my first grandchild would be dedicated here because I have a sentimental attachment to this church (Qua Iboe Church Afaha Eket)”.

He recounted events leading to the interment of his father at the church premises and the role the church played during the burial, vowing that “there are certain things I can't do because my father is buried in the church”.

On the strength of his reputation and background reference he asserted that, “There are certain things you will hear I did, and you can cross your heart and vouch I didn't do it”.

Dr. Udonsak celebrated his son, Mr. Joseph, and wife. The radiance of their daughter-in-law, her humility, peaceful disposition, and calmness, reflected the happiness of Dr. Samuel Udonsak and his wife as fulfilled parents and grandparents. They appreciated Air Vice Marshal and Architect Bamidele for giving them such a beautiful daughter.

The church service had the presence of the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, the Executive Chairman of Eket LGA, Mkpisong Akan Tommey, Senator Representing Eket Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson, Member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, Hon. Engr. Friday Udobia Udo, the Paramount Ruler of Eket, HRM Edidem E. C. D. Abia, Secretary General Ekid People's Union, Barr. Bassey Dan Abia, KJW, Prof. Etie Ben Akpan, Barr. Inam Wilson, SAN, President Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja, Barr. Gabriel Fan, Mr. Ubong David, Barr. Akpadiaha Ebitu, Mr. Andrew Okon, Elder Samuel Okon, SSA on Research and Documentation, Deacon Essien Nduese, PhD, Dr. Judith Mayen Etuk-Ogbara, Engr. Michael Abakam, Dr. David Lawrence, and the Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Nsibiet John, among other prominent personalities.

Traditional Rulers, Mbong Mbaba Ekid, sociocultural groups, medical professionals, and others were in attendance.

A reception was held at Eket City Hall, Uqua Road, with dignitaries from across the state in attendance.

See photo details.

05/04/2026

The dedication service for Zayelle Uwana-abasi Udonsak, granddaughter of Dr. Samuel Udonsak, President General of Ekid People's Union (EPU), is currently ongoing at Qua Iboe Church, Afaha Eket, Eket Local Government.

04/04/2026

Ceremony for the grand coronation of the Aboññ Aduók of Ekid Afaha (Clan Head of Eket Afaha) Eket Local Government, His Royal Highness Aboññ Enim Abitu Ekanim, XVI.

The event is taking place at Eket Christmas Village Ground, Eket Local Government.

The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pst. Umo Eno, is represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong.

The Deputy Leader AKHA/Member Representing Eket State Constituency Hon. Dr. Nsidibe Akata, The Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government, Mkpisong Hon. Akan Tommey, and other government functionaries are in attendance.

To strengthen the royalty of the event, The Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government HRM Edidem E. C. D. Abia and wife, Paramount Ruler of Onna, Edidem Raymond Inyang, other clan heads are present to grace the occasion.

The President General of Ekid People's Union (EPU) Dr. Samuel Udonsak, the BOT Chairman, EPU, Rt. Hon. Chief Nduese Essien, led other Stakeholders of Ekid Nation to honour the ceremony.

03/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CU6M3vMdW/

The move deepens a long-running territorial dispute within the federal constituency and draws rebuttal from the lawmaker’s camp.

31/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

WHY EKID WILL NOT SUPPORT HON. OKPOLUPM IKPONG ETTEH AND ANY OTHER IBENO CANDIDATE

By: THE JOINT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND ACCREDITED STAKEHOLDERS OF EKID PEOPLE'S UNION (EPU) HELD ON 27TH MARCH, 2026.

Meeting deliberated and resolved to formally withdraw political support for Hon. Okpolupm Etteh as our representative in the House of Representatives, or any other candidate from Ibeno for the following reasons.

1. Meeting believes that representation is borne out of a sacred trust. It demands courage, vigilance, consultation, and a constant dedication to upholding the interests of the people. Regrettably, during the past 30 months, this trust has been broken in several ways that raise serious concerns about the ability and willingness of our representative to defend the collective interest, heritage, identity, and future of the Ekid people.

2. There were disturbing signs right from the beginning of Hon Etteh's tenure. On the very first day of proceedings in the House, a petition was filed to challenge the authentic, gazetted Map of Akwa Ibom State. The petition was presented in a way that threatened the territorial integrity and identity of our state. We were shocked that our representative did not speak or act. Being silent in such a moment cannot be interpreted as neutrality or timidity; it was a squandered opportunity to defend the people he was elected to represent. It also showed that our representative might have been in cohort with those who wrote or tabled the petition, and thus could not challenge it.

3. Our representative from Ibeno, unilaterally initiated a motion to change the names of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas without consultation with the Ekid people. This action, which was carried out without the knowledge or permission of the communities affected, showed a flagrant disregard for the principles of democracy and cultural sensitivity. We have since found out that Ibeno as a people have vowed to obliterate our identity and annihilate us. This is a set template that Hon Etteh is operating from, and any other Ibeno candidate would operate from the same template.

4. The proposal to carve out portions of the Ekid land to create Obolo state is also on the Ibeno template. That is why the demand for the creation of Obolo state did not elicit the resistance or advocacy that one would have expected from a committed representative. At a time when our territorial integrity and ancestral heritage were under threat, the lack of strong pushback suggests indifference, a disturbing disconnect from the people's aspirations and perhaps acquiescence...

26/03/2026

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘

𝗜𝗝𝗔𝗪 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗟'𝗦 𝗥𝗛𝗘𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗖: 𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗢𝗙 𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦.

The attention of Afigh Iwaad Ekid has been drawn to the recent statement credited to the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, and the subsequent developments surrounding threats of “solidarity actions” against Seplat Energy within Akwa Ibom State.

While we acknowledge the constitutional right of every group to peaceful expression and lawful agitation, we must firmly caution against actions and utterances that risk undermining inter-state harmony, public order, and the long-standing peaceful coexistence among ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta.

Akwa Ibom State, and indeed Ekid land, is not an extension of any other state or ethnic jurisdiction. Rivers State and Akwa Ibom State remain distinct political entities with clearly defined territorial boundaries, governed by laws that must be respected by all. No organization, irrespective of its influence or identity, possesses the legal or moral authority to project threats or orchestrate actions within another State under any guise.

It is particularly concerning that rhetoric capable of inciting unrest is being introduced into a region that has, over time, worked hard to move beyond the shadows of militancy and instability. The Niger Delta cannot afford a return to those turbulent times, least of all through avoidable provocations and external interference.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Ijaw nation does not have territorial claims within Ibibio land, including Ekid southern Ibibio. Any narrative, action, or insinuation suggesting otherwise is not only misleading but dangerous. The people of Ekid and the wider Ibibio nation are peace-loving, but they are equally resolute in defending their identity, heritage, and territorial integrity.

Let it be unequivocally stated that any attempt by external groups to import agitation, enforce threats, or disrupt lawful activities within our territory will be firmly and decisively resisted. Ijaw Youth Council or whoever cares to know must know that QIT terminal is situated at Ekid Southern Ibibio land not Ibeno as clearly shown in the only Akwa Ibom State authentic and gazetted Map of 2023. As such Ijaw Youth Council has no legitimate right whatsoever to give directive to Seplat Energy or any other Company operating within the Akwa Ibom State territory boundary, on how and when to run their businesses.
We will not stand idly by while individuals or groups, under whatever banner, seek to destabilize our communities or challenge our collective dignity.

We also call on security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, to take due note of the activities and utterances of these elements operating under the guise of the Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Zone. Proactive intelligence gathering, engagement, and where necessary, firm enforcement actions must be undertaken to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

Furthermore, recent reports of vandalization of corporate property under the pretext of agitation are unacceptable and we condemned in the strongest terms. Such acts only serve to validate concerns about the trajectory of these threats and underscore the urgency for intervention by relevant authorities.

Let it be emphasized that grievances, no matter how legitimate, must be pursued through lawful and established channels. Resorting to intimidation, cross-border threats, or symbolic acts of provocation only erodes the credibility of such causes and endangers the broader peace of the region.

Afigh Iwaad Ekid remains committed to peace, justice, and the rule of law. However, we strongly warn that, we will not hesitate to defend our land against any form of encroachment or external aggression, whether subtle or overt.

We therefore urge the socalled Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Zone, to retrace its steps, respect established boundaries, and confine its engagements to appropriate legal frameworks within its jurisdiction.

The peace of our land is non-negotiable.

O𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗶𝘄𝗮𝗮𝗱 (𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁) 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗠𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗴
International President
Afigh Iwaad Ekid

𝗜𝘄𝗮𝗮𝗱 (𝗢𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗴) 𝗨𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗨𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮.
International Secretary General
Afigh Iwaad Ekid

26/03/26

18/03/2026

EPU President Lauds Kufre Esenowo's Leadership in Marriage Reforms

Joseph Ekong

The Ekid People's Union (EPU) President General, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, has commended the Nnung Esenowo Nkanta family head, Chief Engr. Kufre Esenowo Jack, PhD, on his marriage reform accomplishments.

The President General said this after a brief meeting with the family head over the weekend in Eket Local Government.

The Varsity Don, Dr. Jack, informed the President General that the decision came after due consultation with all the chieftains of the Nnung Esenowo family in Idua, Eket Local Government.

As part of the reforms, among others in the family, Dr. Jack, noted that, the reduction on the marriage list is to reduce the financial burden of marriage on intending couples and to encourage marriages among youths.

“The downsizing of the marriage list has yielded results, with many suitors trooping in for our daughters. So far we have recorded over 16 marriages, and others are underway”, he revealed.

“We have already started an empowerment programme for married women in the family, supporting their businesses with grants. We are partnering with Ibom Mortgage for this facility”.

“With the reforms, we will standardise marriage and burial rites to promote modest spending and discourage exorbitant demands. For marital rites, N350,000 to N400,000 can finish the process in our family”, he added.

According to the EPU President, Dr. Udonsak, the reform is very significant and highly commendable, asserting that, it is in line with the reforms of the EPU to address the economic strain caused by traditional marriage lists and burial practices.

He stressed the need and urgency for Ekid sons and daughters to bring their wealth of experiences to build the community, saying that, “when we are intentional, leading with vision and patriotism, the future of our communities will be greater”.

The President General also welcomed the Varsity Don to his Ekid hometown from Niger State, having spent about 8 years in service with the Federal University of Technology, Minna. He urged him to bring his wealth of knowledge to community development, particularly supporting human capital development.

Engr. Kufre Esenowo, PhD, is a renowned scholar specialising in the areas of Electronics & Avionics, Mechatronics Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence. Currently an Associate Professor and Head of Department of Aerospace Engineering, Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA).

09/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

STUBB'S CREEK FOREST RESERVE IMBROGLIO AND THE DANGERS OF INDISCRIMINATE AND MISGUIDED ARTICLES AND PRESS RELEASES THAT UNDERMINE JUSTICE AND PEOPLE CENTERED RESOLUTION OF THE CRISIS: A PATRIOTIC APPEAL FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASE ON THE LEGAL STATUS OF STUBBS CREEK FOREST RESERVE.

09/03/2026

Ekid Nation Signals Political Showdown in 2027, Vows to Invoke ‘Doctrine of Necessity’

Tony Ita Etim

The Ekid Nation has issued a strong political warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that it will apply what it described as the “Doctrine of Necessity” in determining its political direction if its interests continue to be ignored.

The declaration was made by the President General of the Ekid People’s Union (EPU), Dr. Samuel Udonsak, during an interview on Bush House Nigeria on XL 106.9 FM on Friday.

Dr. Udonsak said the Southern Ibibio communities of Onna, Eket and Esit Eket, collectively known as the Ekid Nation, have reached a point where political loyalty must be guided strictly by the protection of their collective interests.

According to him, the people can no longer afford to support political actors who undermine their identity and developmental aspirations.

“We must place Ekid interest first in every participatory democracy,” he said. “We the Southern Ibibios cannot continue to vote for our enemies and those who try to whitewash our identity.”

His remarks signal a potential political realignment within Akwa Ibom State as the country gradually moves toward the next electoral cycle.

Dr. Udonsak specifically raised concerns about representation in the Eket Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, arguing that the position should now be zoned to Eket Local Government Area.

“At this point in our history, the representation must be zoned to Eket LGA,” he said, urging the people to become more deliberate in supporting candidates who reflect the collective aspirations of the Ekid Nation.

The EPU leader also addressed the continued detention of Princess God’sown Udoito, an indigene of the area, but declined to comment extensively on the case because it is currently before the courts.

However, he expressed confidence that justice would ultimately prevail.

“No matter how long it takes, Princess God’sown Udoito will eventually come out of incarceration,” he said. “We believe strongly that there is nothing God cannot do.”

Dr. Udonsak also rejected claims that the Ekid people were responsible for the collapse of the proposed BUA Refinery project at Akoiyak Ekid.

He described the allegations as a distortion of events, explaining that the Ekid Nation merely sought legal redress as the recognized landlords of the refinery site.

According to him, the community approached the courts after discovering that those behind the petrochemical project had allegedly been misinformed and discouraged from engaging directly with the host community.

“We never sent the refinery away,” he said. “Ekid Nation simply went to court seeking justice as the rightful landlords when it became obvious that those behind the project were wrongly advised not to meet with the Ekid people.”

He emphasized that the Ekid Nation remains open to development projects but insisted that host communities must be treated with fairness and respect.

The EPU president general urged Ekid people to remain united and politically vigilant as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

Political observers say the statement reflects growing political consciousness among ethnic and regional blocs seeking greater influence in Nigeria’s evolving electoral landscape.