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

The 12th International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa Ini–Abasi Ekanem
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.
NEWS
AKWA IBOM STATE POLICE COMMAND TASKS OFFICERS ON PROFESSIONALISM, COMPLIANCE WITH IGP’S DIRECTIVES AT A STRATEGIC SECURITY MEETING
- The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has once again called on officers under its command to exhibit high level of professionalism, operational efficiency and total compliance with the IGP’s directive while carrying out their lawful duties.
The state’s Police boss CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, Mnipr, made the call during an emergency strategic security meeting with Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders, Heads of Departments (HODs), and other senior officers of the Command to deliberate on prevailing security concerns and strengthen strategies for effective crime prevention and control across the State.
The meeting provided a strategic platform to review the prevailing security situation, assess emerging threats, and address critical issues relating to intelligence gathering, crime prevention and detection, visibility policing, rapid response to distress calls, inter-unit collaboration, and effective supervision of personnel.
The Commissioner of Police charged all officers in command and supervisory positions to remain vigilant, demonstrate effective leadership, and ensure prompt and coordinated responses to security challenges within their respective areas of responsibility.
The Commissioner emphasised the need for all officers and men to discharge their duties with diligence, discipline, integrity, and respect for the rule of law. He reiterated that police personnel must respect the fundamental rights of citizens and ensure that arrests, investigations, searches, and other official duties are carried out in accordance with established laws and procedures. He warned against abuse of authority, extortion, negligence, dereliction of duty, and any conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
In a Press statement signed and issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the meeting further addressed the need to strengthen intelligence-led policing, improve information sharing, enhance patrol strategies, and sustain effective monitoring of identified security flashpoints and vulnerable locations. DPOs, Tactical Commanders, and Heads of Departments were directed to maintain effective communication with their personnel, ensure prompt reporting of security developments, and provide adequate supervision to enhance operational efficiency and accountability.
In line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Psc(+), Officers and men were also sensitised on strict compliance with the Nigeria Police Force social media policy. The Commissioner of Police reiterated that the IGP’s directives on the use of social media remain in force and must be strictly observed by all personnel.
Officers were cautioned against the unauthorised publication or circulation of official information, internal communications, operational details, photographs, videos, and other sensitive materials on social media platforms. They were reminded that any online conduct capable of compromising security operations, breaching confidentiality, or bringing the Force into disrepute would be addressed in accordance with applicable Force regulations and disciplinary procedures.
The Commissioner of Police urged all officers to implement the resolutions reached at the meeting, strengthen internal accountability, and remain responsive to the security needs of the public. Members of the public were equally encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to assist the Police in preventing crime, identifying suspicious activities, and maintaining peace and public safety across Akwa Ibom State.
The Command reassures residents of its commitment to the maintenance of law and order and calls for continued public cooperation in the collective effort to sustain a safe and peaceful environment throughout the State.
Crime
POLICE INTENSIFIES FIGHT AGAINST CRIMINAL ELEMENTS IN AKWA IBOM
… Arrest five suspects,,recovers suspected illicit drugs in Ibeno LGA
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested five suspects and recovered substantial quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs during an intelligence-led raid on a suspected criminal hideout at Iwuachang Village, Ibeno Local Government Area.
The operation, conducted at about 8:00 p.m. on October 22, 2026, followed credible intelligence received by the Command and in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, on the ongoing campaign against black spots and illicit drug activities across the State.
The suspects, identified as Enoch Monila, 28yrs; Joseph Dani, 42yrs; Imoh Okon, 21yrs; Joy Linus, 25yrs; and Thadeus Damian, 32yrs, were arrested during the operation. Items recovered included substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as substances identified by street names as Captain Black, Kolos, and Ice, all subject to further investigation.
According to a press statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the Commissioner of Police reiterates the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against illicit drug trafficking, criminal hideouts, and activities capable of undermining public safety. He assures residents that intelligence-driven operations will be sustained across the State to identify and dismantle criminal networks.
Members of the public are encouraged to provide credible and timely information to the Police as the operation continues.
The Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring a safer Akwa Ibom State.
NEWS
AKWA IBOM STATE POLICE COMMAND ARRESTS 15 SUSPECTED CULTISTS IN IBENO
…RECOVERS SUSPECTED STOLEN ITEMS, ILLICIT DRUGS
In line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, to sustain the fight against cultism, illicit drug activities and other criminal acts in the State, operatives of the Ibeno Divisional Police Headquarters have arrested fifteen (15) suspects during a targeted raid on suspected cultists’ hideouts and identified black spots in Atia Coastal Village, Ibeno Local Government Area.
According to a Press statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the operation was conducted on 20th October, 2026, at about 1700 hours, following intelligence-led efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and curb cult-related activities within the area. The operation resulted in the arrest of the following suspects:
• Dominic, male, 35 years, alias “Don Sars,” of Esit Eket LGA;
• Ndifreke Paul, male, 29 years, alias “Black Satan,” of Onna LGA;
• Etim Oboho, male, 46 years, of Urue-Offong/Oruko LGA; and twelve (12) other suspects.
During preliminary interrogation, two of the suspects, Ubong Dominic, alias “Don Sars,” and Ndifreke Paul, alias “Black Satan,” allegedly confessed to membership of the Vikings and Iceland confraternities. Investigations are ongoing to establish their respective affiliations, determine their level of involvement in cult-related activities, and identify other persons connected to the suspected criminal networks.
Items recovered during the operation include wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp; substances suspected to be methamphetamine, popularly known as “Ice”; two (2) suspected stolen 8-horsepower outboard engines; one motorcycle bearing registration number KTS 346 WZ, suspected to be stolen; cult-related berets; items bearing Vikings inscriptions; bottles containing substances suspected to be charms; and five (5) mobile handsets.
While some of the suspects were arrested, others reportedly escaped into the surrounding creeks. The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover other possible exhibits.
The Commissioner of Police reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities across Akwa Ibom State. He warns individuals and groups engaged in criminal activities to desist forthwith, as the Command will continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, targeted raids and other lawful operational strategies to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders.
The Command urges members of the public, community leaders and other stakeholders to support ongoing security efforts by providing credible and timely information to the Police. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through appropriate police channels.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command assures the public of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security throughout the State.
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