By Dennis Udoma
As ethnic tensions and territorial disagreements continue to stir concerns across parts of Akwa Ibom State, Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Senator Ekong Sampson, and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Barrister Ekpenyong Ntekim, have separately called on citizens to reject divisive narratives, embrace peaceful coexistence and support Governor Umo Eno’s unity-driven vision for sustainable development.
Their interventions come amid increasing debates over ethnic identity, territorial claims and politically-charged narratives, with stakeholders warning that, the trend could undermine the peace and stability that have long distinguished the state if left unchecked.
In a statement titled “Unity, Not Division,” issued on July 30, 2026, Senator Sampson expressed deep concern over recent exchanges among some ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom South, cautioning that ethnic rivalry could erode the district’s vast human and natural potential, as well as derail the developmental gains being recorded under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
According to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Akwa Ibom South’s diversity should remain a strategic asset for development rather than a source of conflict.
“As the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South in the National Assembly, I have noted with deep concern the raging exchanges among some ethnic camps in our Senatorial District,” he stated.
Sampson explained that his representation has always been founded on building bridges among the diverse ethnic nationalities in the district, stressing that every community has a stake in the collective prosperity of Akwa Ibom State.
He observed that God had richly blessed the district with abundant human and natural resources, insisting that those blessings could only be maximized in an atmosphere of peace, mutual respect and cooperation.
“We share threads. If we dissipate our energy pitted against one another, we will be inviting distractions and missed opportunities instead of maximizing the advantage,” the Senator noted.
He warned that allowing ethnic sentiments to dominate public discourse would divert attention from the urgent task of development, discourage investment opportunities and weaken the district’s collective aspirations.
The lawmaker disclosed that he had already commenced consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders and other critical stakeholders across the district to de-escalate tensions and encourage dialogue among the various ethnic groups.
Calling for an immediate end to inflammatory exchanges, Sampson appealed to citizens to unite behind the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno in advancing the state’s development agenda.
“I plead for cessation, please, so that we can all join hands with our leaders, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno to unite and develop our dear State,” he said.
Echoing similar concerns, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Barrister Ekpenyong Ntekim, warned that the growing wave of ethnic division, compounded by artificial intelligence (AI)-generated historical distortions, poses a serious threat to the unity and peaceful coexistence of Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement titled “Enough Should Be Enough: Akwa Ibom State Should Rise to the Faith of Greatness in Her Anthem,” lamenting that, recent narratives circulating on both traditional and social media have projected an image of a state gradually drifting from the ideals of unity, integration and shared destiny upon which it was created on September 23, 1987.
The former Justice Commissioner expressed concern that, with the 2027 general elections approaching, ethnic sentiments are increasingly being manipulated by political actors and their supporters to gain political relevance, thereby deepening divisions among communities that have coexisted peacefully for decades.
He particularly condemned the circulation of false historical accounts portraying some ethnic groups as “foreigners” in Akwa Ibom, while diminishing others as mere subsets of larger ethnic nationalities, describing such narratives as historically misleading, dangerous and capable of undermining the state’s peace and stability.
According to Ntekim, migration, settlement and cultural interaction have shaped societies throughout history, making attempts to weaponise historical accounts for political advantage both unnecessary and counterproductive.
He stressed that Akwa Ibomites have demonstrated remarkable unity over the years through inter-ethnic marriages, business relationships, shared places of worship and inclusive political participation, wondering why such enduring harmony should suddenly give way to divisive rhetoric.
Drawing inspiration from the Akwa Ibom State Anthem introduced during the state’s 33rd anniversary celebration in 2020, Ntekim challenged citizens to live by its message rather than merely recite its lyrics.
He urged the people to embrace the anthem’s call to “rise beyond ethnicity” and “serve the land in unity and love,” warning that ethnic politics would only weaken the state and betray the sacrifices of those who fought for its creation.
Describing the present period as a defining moment in the state’s history, Ntekim called on political leaders, traditional rulers, religious organisations, youth groups and all patriotic citizens to reject divisive narratives and work collectively to preserve the peace, unity and progress of Akwa Ibom State.
“Now is the time to mend our fences and broken walls. The current Babel will only be an unhelpful self-destruct,” he declared.
The positions canvassed by both leaders reinforce Governor Umo Eno’s consistent message that peace, unity and inclusiveness remain indispensable for attracting investment, expanding infrastructure, creating jobs and delivering the dividends of democracy to every community irrespective of ethnic or political affiliation.
A political stakeholder in the state, Dr. Clement Okon observed the interventions by Sampson and Ntekim complement Governor’s unwavering commitment to fostering harmony across the state, as a prerequisite for the successful implementation of the ARISE Agenda.
He contend that, while Akwa Ibom’s ethnic diversity remains one of its greatest strengths, preserving mutual respect, dialogue and inclusiveness is essential for safeguarding the state’s hard-earned peace, sustaining development and unlocking greater economic opportunities for present and future generations.
For many stakeholders, the coordinated appeals by the senator and the former Attorney General serve as a timely reminder that, the future of Akwa Ibom lies not in ethnic rivalry or historical revisionism but in unity, shared purpose and collective commitment to the vision of a peaceful and prosperous state.
