Core Community Leaders Urge Restraint and Dialogue following Governor’s Nduo Eduo Remarks

Core Community Leaders Urge Restraint and Dialogue following Governor’s Nduo Eduo Remarks

By Assam Abia.

The Core Community Leaders Forum of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, operating under the distinguished patronage of the district’s Paramount Rulers, has expressed deep concern over the wave of statements, reactions and counter-reactions emanating from the Akoiyak axis over issues connected to the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Super Highway.

In a carefully worded appeal issued on Monday January 5, 2026, the elders acknowledged the heightened tensions surrounding the project but firmly rejected all forms of derogatory labelling, including the branding of any community or group as “terrorists.” They emphasized that such language is incompatible with peace-building and undermines efforts at genuine resolution.

The Forum stated its unequivocal commitment to peaceful engagement, dialogue and conflict resolution rooted in the rule of law and the enduring principles of justice. It therefore urged all parties involved to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory utterances and embrace sincere, private engagement anchored on mutual respect and understanding.

According to the elders, the office of the Governor remains a sacred institution that symbolizes the collective will, dignity and authority of the people of Akwa Ibom State.

While democratic systems allow for dissent and expressions of dissatisfaction, they stressed that such grievances must be conveyed with decorum and responsibility, without diminishing the honour of the office or threatening public peace.

The Forum further noted that mechanisms such as caveat emptor and other forms of protest are legitimate within democratic discourse.

However, it cautioned that these must be pursued through structured and peaceful negotiations, rather than through public exchanges capable of inflaming passions, provoking instability or deepening divisions.

On the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Super Highway, the elders described the project as a critical national infrastructure with far-reaching socio-economic benefits for host communities, Akwa Ibom State and the country at large.

They observed that the project represents a major and visible Federal Government presence in the state and warned that any actions, overt or covert, that could jeopardize its realization would be detrimental to collective progress.

Emphasizing that peace, order and social harmony are indispensable foundations for sustainable development, the Forum called on all stakeholders to guide their public statements and engagements with wisdom, caution and a deep sense of responsibility in order to prevent avoidable escalation of tensions.

In conclusion, the Core Community Leaders Forum appealed to all concerned parties to choose the path of restraint, dialogue and collective wisdom, stressing that peace, justice and development remain the shared goals of all communities within the district and the state at large.

The statement was signed by Chief Engr. Christopher Udongo, Chairman of the Core Community Leaders Forum, Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District.