A prominent socio-political organization in Akwa Ibom State, the Ibibio Vanguard, has issued a passionate call for a cultural and political reawakening among the Ibibio people, emphasizing that the time has come for the ethnic group to assert its rightful position as the largest demographic entity in the state.
In an official statement released to journalists and signed by its National Secretary, Comrade Silas Udom, the group expressed deep concern over the prevailing socio-political landscape, attributing recent friction between Ibibio and Oro nations to years of passive leadership and uncharacteristic silence from the Ibibio intelligentsia and traditional hierarchy.
“The ongoing political tension between the Ibibio and Oro nations over territorial integrity and regional representation is largely a byproduct of our prolonged silence,” Comrade Silas Udom stated. “For too long, the Ibibio nation has chosen the path of reserved forbearance, but this docility has unfortunately been misinterpreted as weakness or consent. It is time for our people to shake off this complacency and reclaim our rightful place in shaping the destiny of Akwa Ibom State.”
The statement highlighted the urgent need for unity among traditional rulers, political leaders, youth organizations, and opinion leaders across Ibibio land, warning that continued silence in the face of contentious debate regarding boundary delimitations and socio-political rights could compromise the heritage and future of coming generations.
“We are calling directly on the leadership of the Ibibio nation, our respected royal fathers, political figures, academics, and youth, to rise up and lend their voices to these ongoing debates,” Udom urged. “Silence is no longer an option when the territorial integrity and political legacy of our ancestors are being questioned. We must speak with one resolute, undivided voice to safeguard our common heritage and promote equitable progress across all sectors.”
The Ibibio Vanguard reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful co-existence with neighboring ethnic nationalities while maintaining that mutual respect must remain the foundation of regional harmony. The group urged all Ibibio sons and daughters to remain vigilant, engaged, and united as discussions surrounding territorial boundaries and state representation continue to unfold.
