A prominent stakeholder in the Akwa Ibom project, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, has called on the Akwa Ibom State Government (AKSG) to urgently pursue an amicable resolution of the lingering Stubbs Creek disputes, while also appealing to Governor Umo Bassey Eno to exercise mercy in the ongoing legal matter involving Princess God’sown Udoito.
Eyiboh stressed that the Stubbs Creek issue must be “exhaustively and sufficiently dissected” within the State Executive Council, urging representatives at both the executive and legislative levels to engage constructively with relevant authorities.
He warned that the controversy risks being undermined by conflicting interests, alleging that some individuals publicly vocal in the dispute may have undisclosed ties to companies operating in the area.
Turning to the legal case, Eyiboh made a direct appeal for clemency on behalf of Princess Udoito, who is facing prosecution over alleged defamatory social media publications against the governor.
He described her actions as condemnable but expressed confidence that her time in custody had been corrective, urging the governor to “temper justice with mercy.”
The case, The State v. God’sown Monday Udoito (Charge No. HU/12C/2026), has drawn heightened attention following procedural setbacks. Proceedings were stalled for a second time in March after the absence of lead defence counsel, alongside the withdrawal of 18 lawyers from the defence team.
The court subsequently adjourned for continuation of cross-examination, as the prosecution maintained its commitment to due process and fair hearing.
Eyiboh, who described Governor Eno as a devout Christian leader, anchored his plea on principles of forgiveness and reconciliation.
He expressed optimism that the governor, known for what he termed a consistent disposition toward forgiveness, would consider granting pardon in the spirit of justice, restoration, and leadership by example.
“Governor Umo Eno is a good and god-fearing man. He is a pastor, a man who has accepted God in faith and good conscience. The scripture has rightly put it in Luke 1:77 ‘To give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.’ Indeed, Gov Umo Eno, like any other leader, has power over life and death. If for instance, a person is convicted for a capital offence, it is only the governor that can endorse the court sentence for the person to be executed.
“The lady in question used a series of invectives against the high office of the governor. What she did is highly condemnable. Having been in the correction centres for this long, I am quite certain that she has learnt her lessons.
I know Gov Umo Eno very well. We have been friends for many years. I know that he doesn’t compromise his worship for God. He reads his Bible everyday and that includes the portion I have cited. I am almost certain that the Governor is currently reflecting on the matter and also considering the option of compassion, knowing that forgiveness of sin would bring salvation and restoration to Princes Godsown Udoito.
The Bible teaches the governor to forgive, not only because he’s a Pastor, who is leading the flock of God by examples, but because he has made forgiveness his lifestyle. By virtue of my friendship with him, I know a lot of people who have offended the governor and who he has forgiven. I will therefore not be surprised when eventually, Gov Umo Eno may use the other hand to call her out.
“So I earnestly plead with Governor Umo Bassey Eno to temper justice with mercy and forgive Princess Udoito”, he said.
He further emphasised that resolving both the Stubbs Creek dispute and the ongoing legal tensions through dialogue and compassion would reinforce public confidence in governance and promote lasting peace in the state.
Eyiboh who spoke on a wide range of national and subnational issues, also used the occasion to drum support for rhe return of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Godswill Obot Akoabio and Governor Umo Bassey Eno for a second term in office.
He also strongly advanced support for both Senator Ekong Sampson of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District and Hon. Okpolopm Etteh of Eket Federal Constituency, whom he said have performed tremendously, especially in harnessing the reforms of the current administration.
