The Ekid Peoples Union (EPU) has issued a strong condemnation of Professor Effiong Archianga, the paramount ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, for publicly criticizing the tenure of former Governor Udom Emmanuel. The monarch’s recent remarks, describing Emmanuel as the “worst governor” the state has ever produced and claiming he failed to deliver anything for Ibeno during his eight years in office, have sparked outrage among leaders and residents alike.

In a sharply worded statement released Sunday in Uyo, the President General of the Ekid Peoples Union, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, described Archianga’s comments as uncharitable and unfounded, accusing him of using his traditional influence to disseminate malicious propaganda. Udonsak asserted that the monarch’s attack was an attempt to distort history and undermine the peace Udom Emmanuel painstakingly established and nurtured in the state.

The union leader emphasized that Emmanuel’s administration had a tangible record of achievements in infrastructure, health, and equitable development, starkly contrasting with the negative portrayal by the traditional ruler. He pointed out that prior to Emmanuel’s governorship, no roads had been constructed in Ibeno. It was during Emmanuel’s tenure that a notable 19.5-kilometer dual carriageway linking Ibeno to Eket was constructed, opening the region to commerce and economic growth.

Udonsak also challenged the monarch’s claim that no Ibeno son served in Emmanuel’s government, clarifying that the administration first appointed Ekpenyong Enyinna as Commissioner before appointing Chief Okpolupm Etteh as his successor. These appointments, he argued, were evidence of Emmanuel’s commitment to inclusive governance and regional fairness.

“Contrary to the monarch’s bitter rhetoric, Udom Emmanuel’s government was a model of equitable development,” Udonsak stated. “He ruled not for one community or political party but for the entire state, ensuring infrastructural projects reached every local government area, including Ibeno. His leadership brought peace, growth, and a renewed sense of belonging to all Akwa Ibom citizens.”

Highlighting Emmanuel’s developmental achievements, Udonsak noted, “He did not just build roads and bridges; he invested in people. Twelve general hospitals across the state were remodeled and equipped. The Itam Multispecialty Hospital was revitalized, and civil servants were paid their salaries promptly. While he may have had shortcomings, he never owed pensions to retirees.”

Responding to the disparaging remarks, Udonsak described the depiction of Emmanuel as “the worst governor” as either a product of age-related forgetfulness or driven by greed and a hardened heart resistant to peace. He lauded Emmanuel’s legacy as one of the strongest in the state’s history, emphasizing that his impact is visible in the transforming landscape of Akwa Ibom.

“History will remember Udom Emmanuel as one of the best governors Akwa Ibom has ever produced,” Udonsak asserted. “He left the state in a better condition than he inherited, and his legacy continues to speak louder than any insult. While some indulge in noise and division, Emmanuel focused on building roads, industries, and lives. His governance was about impact — the roads we drive on, the hospitals that save lives, the jobs that sustain families, and the unity that binds communities.”

He concluded with a call for those who thrive on crisis and controversy to seek other platforms for their expressions. “Akwa Ibom has moved beyond bitterness and division; it is on a steady path of progress, built on the solid foundation laid by leaders like Udom Emmanuel. Let history judge him rightly for his service and dedication to a prosperous state.”