Ibeno elders condemn Udonsak, caution against inflaming communal clashes

Stakeholders in Ibeno local government area of Akwa Ibom state have condemned the President-General of the Ekid People’s Union (EPU), Dr. Samuel Udonsak, for repeatedly disregarding Governor Umo Eno’s appeals for restraint and peaceful coexistence amid growing ethnic tensions in the state.

Speaking with journalists at Upenekang on Sunday, spokesman for the Ibeno Elders Forum, Diamond Akpanika, described Udonsak’s recent goodwill message marking the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom state as “irresponsible,” and an act of “moral coward” alleging that, its tone could further inflame already sensitive communal issues.

Akpanika challenged the EPU president-general to publicly identify the persons he allegedly referred to as “opportunistic,” “land grabbers,” “warmongers” and “selfish agitators,” rather than, according to him, resorting to language capable of portraying entire communities in a negative light.

He expressed concern that the statement was coming at a time when Governor Eno had repeatedly called on political and socio-cultural leaders to refrain from rhetoric capable of deepening ethnic divisions.

“Dr. Samuel Udonsak has heard the governor repeatedly speaking publicly and unequivocally about the need to maintain peace in Akwa Ibom. Yet, each time the governor calls for restraint, we see another round of provocative statements from either Udonsak, his cohorts or through what appears to be sponsored faceless social media rants..

“We are sincerely at a loss as to what gives Dr. Udonsak and his cohorts the effrontery to consistently defy and demean the exalted office of the governor of Akwa Ibom state.

“The continued conduct of the EPU leadership is a threat to the peace and stability of the state if allowed to continue unchecked.”