Group Warns Against Politicising Ibom Deep Seaport, Says Project Belongs To All Akwa Ibom People
Newly inaugurated 12th International President of the foremost socio-cultural organisation, of the Ibibio ethnic Nationality, Akwa lbom State, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI), Akparawa Ini-Abasi Ekanem, has cautioned against attempts to politicise or ethnicise the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport in the State.
He declared the project is a strategic economic asset belonging to the entire people of Akwa Ibom State and not any community, local government area or political bloc.
This is coming just as the Ibeno Clan Council of State urged ethnic harmony among various groups and nationality in the state.
It described the organisation’s peaceful transition as a shining example of mature leadership, institutional stability and the enduring values of unity, peace and service for which the body has been renowned.
The Secretary of Ibeno Clan Council, Chief Okon Udofia said, the Council lauded Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio for consistently promoting harmony among the various ethnic nationalities in the state.
Udofia who spoke on behalf of the paramount ruler of Ibeno also praised the body for remaining steadfast in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Ibibio people without resorting to hostility or division.
He wished the newly inaugurated International President, Akparawa Ekanem, and his Executive Council a successful tenure marked by wisdom, fairness and unwavering commitment to the ideals of “Oneness for Service.”
Chief Udofia noted the speeches delivered during the newly inaugurated leadership all revolved around peace, unity, love and the collective progress of state.
Speaking at his inauguration, the new President of the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI), Ekanem described the growing controversy surrounding the seaport as unfortunate, warning that internal divisions could frustrate one of the state’s greatest economic opportunities while giving competing ports outside Akwa Ibom an advantage.
He lamented that what ought to unite the people around a transformational economic project had instead become a source of needless division, cautioning that if the current trend persists, “there will be no winners.”
The new President of MMI maintained that the Ibom Deep Seaport should be viewed as a project for all Akwa Ibom people and indeed Nigeria, urging stakeholders to place the collective interest of the state above sectional considerations.
He called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to sustain wider stakeholder engagement, transparency and continuous consultation, while appealing to community leaders, political stakeholders and opinion moulders to approach the issue with maturity, flexibility and patriotism.
Ekanem also reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to peace, dialogue and harmonious coexistence but warned that it would no longer tolerate deliberate attempts to insult, denigrate or undermine the dignity and heritage of the Ibibio people.
“Let no one mistake our commitment to peace for weakness. We will defend the honour, rights and legitimate interests of our people through every lawful, constitutional and democratic means available,” he declared.
He urged public office holders, traditional rulers, ethnic organisations and opinion leaders to avoid inflammatory statements capable of provoking unnecessary tension, stressing that respect, justice and mutual understanding remain the foundation of a united and prosperous Akwa Ibom.
Paying tribute to past leaders of the organisation, particularly his predecessor, Akparawa James Edet, the new president pledged that his administration would be anchored on inclusive leadership, transparency and accountability, preservation of Ibibio cultural heritage, strategic partnerships, and youth development and empowerment.
He expressed confidence that by embracing unity over division, Akwa Ibom would be better positioned to realise the enormous economic benefits of the Ibom Deep Seaport and other strategic development initiatives.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by his Political Adviser, Akparawa Godwin Ntuk-Udeh, commended Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio for promoting peace and unity in the state.
The governor paid glowing tribute to the immediate past International President, Akparawa James Edet, describing his tenure as one marked by remarkable achievements, and expressed confidence that the new President would build on that legacy.
He also pledged the government’s continued collaboration with Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio in advancing peace, unity and sustainable development across the state.
Also speaking, the Grand Patron of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio and Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, commended the organisation for its exemplary leadership, succession process and strong institutional foundation.
He charged the new president to lead by example, remain selfless and promote the growth and development of the Ibibio nation, while appealing to all Ibibio people to remain united in the interest of the state.
Chairman of the occasion and former Commissioner for Works, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, said he was proud to identify with the ideals of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, stressing that every Ibibio son and daughter should belong to the organisation.
He noted that anyone yet to identify with the Mboho was missing an important platform to offer service towards the advancement of the Ibibio nation.
Akparawa Inyang-Eyen commended the outgoing leadership for its outstanding stewardship and urged the new executive to take the organisation to greater heights.
He further challenged the Ibibio people, whom he described as Nigeria’s fourth largest ethnic nationality, to rise and occupy their rightful place in national affairs by ensuring their voice is heard and their contributions recognised.
In his valedictory address, the immediate past International President, Akparawa James Edet, expressed gratitude to God for granting him the grace to lead the organisation successfully.
He said his administration restored cohesion, rebuilt trust and was handing over a stronger, more united organisation with improved infrastructure and a more efficient administrative structure.
He also highlighted the remarkable growth of Mboho Unity Schools, noting the significant increase in pupils’ and students’ enrolment during his tenure.
In his goodwill message, the President of Ekid Peoples’ Union, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, appealed for the release of Princess Godsown Udoito and rejected narratives surrounding the Ibom Deep Seaport and the littoral status of some ethnic groups, urging stakeholders to remain committed to facts and peaceful engagement.
Similarly, the 6th International President of Ati Annang Foundation, Adedeh Aniekpeno Mkpanang, represented by Adedeh Idorenyin Essien, paid tribute to the outgoing president and reaffirmed the historic bond between the Annang and Ibibio people, expressing confidence that the relationship would be further strengthened under the new leadership.
The inauguration marked the beginning of a new chapter for the foremost socio-cultural organisation, with renewed calls for unity among the Ibibio people and broad support for the realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport as a transformative project for the economic future of Akwa Ibom State.
Okon Bassey
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