Oro Littoral Status: Manfred Ekpe Hits Back at Larry Esin, Warns Against Ethnic Pressure

Barrister Manfred Ekpe has rejected calls by Larry Esin for Governor Umo Eno to urgently convene an Ibibio-Oro conclave, describing the demand as an attempt to apply emotional blackmail and political pressure on the governor.

Ekpe, in a statement on Monday, said Esin’s demand followed a recent comment by Dr. Samuel Udonsak at the 12th inauguration ceremony of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio headquarters.

According to him, Udonsak’s statement that the Oro Nation is not littoral was a geographical and legal assertion and should not be presented as a threat to the Oro people.

Ekpe accused some Oro leaders and groups of previously making controversial claims about the littoral status of Ibibio territories while allegedly attacking the Ibibio people through traditional and social media platforms.

He questioned why Esin did not demand a similar dialogue when such claims were allegedly made against the Ibibio people.

Ekpe also alleged that the Ibibio people had remained restrained in the interest of peace and unity in Akwa Ibom State.

He maintained that the dispute over the littoral status of territories should be resolved through legal channels rather than through media campaigns or political pressure.

“If the Oro leadership believes that the declaration of their non-littoral status constitutes a civil or criminal wrong, they should seek redress in a court of competent jurisdiction,” Ekpe said.

He further defended Governor Eno, saying the governor had maintained neutrality since assuming office and should not be subjected to pressure because of his ethnic identity.

Ekpe warned that while the governor remained open to criticism over his policies, attempts to undermine him on ethnic grounds would attract resistance from the Ibibio people.

He also urged Larry Esin to caution individuals he described as radical elements within the Oron Union against making statements capable of worsening ethnic tensions in the state.

Ekpe called for restraint and civilized public discourse, stressing the need to preserve peace and unity in Akwa Ibom State.