•Rent a bigger hall for your endorsement ceremony – Ikpoto Afiakurue
A stakeholder engagement on the proposed University of Maritime Studies Oron (UMSO) took a dramatic turn on Sunday, 22 March, 2026, at the Ahta Isong Hall of CEEDAPEG Hotels in Uyo, as tensions rose over persuasions for political endorsement in favour of Reps Martins Esin.
After a well structured tone setting on the subject matter by the Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Actualisation of UMSO, Chief Asuquo Inuikim and an opening remark by Reps Martins Esin, speakers at the event, including the former Sole Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Barr Effiong Akwa; Senator Nelson Effiong, Rt Hon. Esio Oquong Udoh, Rt. Hon. Peter Linus Umoh, among others, took time to drum support for the re-election of the Member of Parliament.
While the former Secretary to Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem redirected discussions on the core agenda of the meeting to find solutions for the takeoff of the University of Maritime Studies, Oron, other speakers still drifted away, constantly calling for support for the return of the MP.
In his speech, the MD and CEO of CEEDAPEG Hotels, Ikpoto Effiong Afiakurue, firmly reminded attendees that the purpose of the meeting was clearly stated on the backdrop and centered strictly on discussions surrounding the UMSO project.
He cautioned against any attempt to turn the gathering into an endorsement forum.
Addressing the lawmaker directly, Afiakurue advised Martins Esin that if he intended to organise an endorsement event, he should ensure broader participation and secure a larger hall within the facility to accommodate the people.
“My brother the MP. You know this meeting has a specific agenda which is about the way forward for the takeoff of UMSO. However, if you want to organise an endorsement ceremony, you can invite more people and rent a bigger hall at CEEDAPEG for that purpose,” he stated.
The meeting, which brought together stakeholders from the Oro Federal Constituency, was convened by Esin to deliberate on the establishment of the University of Maritime Studies Oron.
However, concerns emerged among some attendees over what they perceived as attempts to attach endorsement undertones to the engagement.
Many attendees had vowed to challenge any publications using their signatures for such endorsement.
Other participants including the former Commissioner for Economic Development, Prof Emmanuel Onwioduokit, the President of Oro Youth Movement (OYOM), Comrade Edet Eyo, among others, were perpetually denied recognition, after constantly indicating interest in speaking against the “unwarranted endorsement”.
The development underscores growing sensitivity among constituents of Oro Federal Constituency who believe that Reps Martins Esin has not done enough and should not be allowed to ride on serious issues affecting Oro Nation as vehicles to gain unpopular endorsement.
