By Anietie Akpan
Brief protest had on Monday morning, January 19, rocked the oil city of Eket in Eket Local Government Area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom State over the arrest, prosecution and detention of a social critic and daughter of the soil, Princess God’sown Udoito, despite heavy police presence and downpour.
Pillar Today observed that as early as 6.30 am, today, January 19, protesters from all parts of Eket and Esit Eket had gathered at the Eket cenotaph brandishing different placards demanding the immediate release of their daughter, Udoito and the state government to do the needful as it concerns the Stubb Creek forest reserve which traditionally and legally belongs to Ekid nation.
Some of the placards read: “Give us our right our inheritance; Ekid Nation refuses to be intimidated…; Akoiyak is our ancestral home, not for sale; You cannot give what you don’t have”. They insisted that “injury to one is injury to all “.
However the protest did not last for long as the early morning first heavy rain of the year in Eket, largely disrupted their movement coupled with the diplomatic handling of the situation on ground by the over 50 policemen led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police drafted to the scene to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The protesters led by the Afighiwaad President, Willie Mbong presented their demands to the Police insisting that Udoito should be released unconditionally and the state government to address the Stubb Creek issue in line with various court judgments that have been decided in favour of the Ekid people.
Recall, Udoito was arrested last week by the police, prosecuted and detained at the Correctional Centre for criticizing policies and actions of government especially demanding government to come clean on the issue of the disputed Stubb Creek Forest Reserve (Akoiyak as known by the Ekid people from time immemorial).
Hence the massprotest was planned in Eket, today, January 19, as Ekid Women have threatened to go naked following the arrest of Udoito.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command had in statement on January 18, signed by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, warned against any form of protest capable of undermining public peace and order in the State.
The statement reads: “the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has taken serious note of reports and public statements attributed to certain individuals and groups threatening actions capable of undermining public peace and order in the State over the arrest and prosecution of One Princess God’sown Udoito.
The Command states clearly that the matter in question is already before a court of competent jurisdiction, and any attempt to influence, intimidate, or disrupt the judicial process through threats, protests, or unlawful conduct is unacceptable and contrary to law.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, mnipr, fsi, reiterates that the Nigeria Police Force operates strictly within the confines of the law, and that arrests and prosecutions are carried out following due investigation and in accordance with extant legal provisions.
While the Police recognise the constitutional rights of citizens to lawful expression and peaceful assembly, the Command warns sternly that it will not tolerate the following acts:
Threats or acts of nude protests; Unlawful occupation of public or private facilities; Disruption of government, economic, or social activities; Any conduct capable of breaching public peace, safety, or morality.
Any individual or group that engages in or attempts such acts will be promptly arrested and prosecuted in line with the law.
The Command further advises all aggrieved persons and groups to seek redress through legal and civil means and to allow the courts to determine the matter, rather than resorting to actions capable of escalating tension in the State.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to the maintenance of law and order and the protection of lives and property. Members of the public are therefore urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and to refrain from any act capable of disturbing the peace currently enjoyed in Akwa Ibom State”.
