Ibom Deep Seaport Belongs to All, Not Any Community, Mboho Warns

Ibom Deep Seaport Belongs to All, Not Any Community, Mboho Warns

* Says Akwa Ibom people must not sabotage her economic future
• Vows to defend Ibibio dignity • Calls for transparency and unity

By Our Correspondent

UYO — The newly inaugurated 12th International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI), Akparawa (Elder) Ini-Abasi Ekanem, has warned against attempts to politicise or ethnicise the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport, declaring that 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.

Delivering his inaugural address, 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.”

He 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.

The Mboho President 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, NPOM, Ekanem 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, CFR, 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, NPOM, 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. Other goodwill messages came from Afigh Iwaad Ekid and Ntisong Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, among others.

The event also featured the induction of new members, including the Chairman of Onna Local Government Council, Akparawa Kufre Umoren, Akparawa-anwan Felicia Akpan and Akparawa Mumini Eyo.

The inauguration climaxed with the swearing-in of other officers of the 12th International Executive Council of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio by the new President, including Akparawa (Obong) Jimaimah Essien, Vice President I, Akparawa (Otuekong) Fiokidaha Umoh as Vice President II, Akparawa John Offiong, Secretary-General, Akparawa Anwan (Barrister) Eme Sambo as Deputy Secretary-General, Akparawa Essien Essien as Treasurer, Akparawa (Obong) Victor Edet as Financial Secretary, Akparawa Stephen Abia, Esq. as Legal Adviser, Akparawa (Pastor) Idongesit Ikono as Public Relations Officer, Akparawa Anwan Alice Udoh as Women Leader, Akparawa Augustine Udoh as Welfare Officer and Akparawa Emmanuel Ekpah as Provost. Immediate Past President Akparawa James Edet, NPOM, and Immediate Past Secretary-General Akparawa Bassey Bassey will serve as ex-officio members of the executive council.

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.