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MMI commends Governor Umo Eno for helping facilitate the peaceful release of Princess God’s Own Udoito.
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Udoito spent 270 days in custody over charges linked to social media publications concerning Governor Eno and the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve dispute.
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The Ibibio body also praises traditional, religious and community leaders for their intervention in the matter.
September 17, (THEWILL) – Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI), the umbrella body of Ibibio ethnic Nationality, has commended Governor Umo Eno for his role in the release of Princess God’s Own Udoito after 270 days in detention.
MMI said the release of Udoito, which came amid appeals and interventions by various individuals and groups, was a welcome development and an indication of the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution of sensitive issues.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its International Public Relations Officer, Akparawa (Pst.) Idongesit Ikono, and made available to THEWIL, the organisation said it received the news of Udoito’s release with “relief and gratitude to God Almighty.”
Udoito, an Ekid community rights activist, was detained after she was arraigned before the Akwa Ibom State High Court in January 2026 on charges including criminal defamation, conspiracy, seditious publication, public nuisance and conduct allegedly capable of causing fear or disturbing public peace.
The charges arose largely from social media publications attributed to her concerning Governor Eno and the disputed Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve. She pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Her continued detention subsequently generated protests and appeals from community leaders, women and youth groups, with calls for her release. In June, Ekid women and youths protested in Eket, demanding her release after more than five months in custody.
Udoito was eventually released on September 16 after spending about nine months in custody, according to reports confirming the development.
MMI said it particularly appreciated Governor Eno for “heeding the pleas and intercessions of individuals and organisations” and for his contribution towards bringing the matter to a peaceful resolution.
The Ibibio socio-cultural organisation also commended the Ekid People’s Union, religious, traditional and political leaders for their interventions, particularly the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk.
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Speaking exclusively with THEWILL, MMI’s International Public Relations Officer, Akparawa Idongesit Ikono, said the body considered the governor’s gesture and the collective interventions by traditional and community leaders significant to restoring calm.
“We commend His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, for listening to the pleas and intercessions from different quarters and for contributing to the peaceful resolution of the matter.
As traditional and community leaders, we believe that peaceful intervention and dialogue remain essential in resolving sensitive issues.”
Ikono said the release was particularly heartwarming because it coincided with the anniversary celebration of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, adding that the development should encourage the people to strengthen unity and peaceful coexistence.
MMI urged the people of the state to remain united and committed to building a peaceful and prosperous Akwa Ibom.
