Udoito: Why EKID People’s Union Is Full Of Praises For Gov Eno

Foremost socio-cultural group, Ekid People’s Union has praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for his role in the release of their daughter, Princess Godsown Udoito, who spent 270 days in detention at the Uyo Correctional Centre over defamatory remarks against the Governor.

This follows the bail granted her by an Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo.

In a statement issued on Wednesday September 16 and titled “Our Princess is free!”, the Union, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ekid nation, described Governor Eno’s handling of the matter as an act of compassion that turned a bitter dispute into reconciliation.

“We are grateful to the Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno PhD, for his magnanimity, and good heart,” the statement read.

“His Excellency has shown compassion and sincerity, such that what looked, at the beginning like a stormy war, ended amicably like a family affair.”

The statement, signed by the union’s President General, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, and Secretary General, Hon. (Barr.) Bassey Dan-Abia, confirmed that Udoito had regained her freedom and was receiving post-release care.

“The Union can confirm that our Princess Godsown Udoito has regained her freedom after 270 days at the Uyo Correctional Centre,” it said.

“In line with international best practices, she is about now receiving the necessary routine medical assistance and counselling post release.”

Udoito, from Esit Eket, was arrested on January 14, 2026, for using her Facebook page, which has more than 20,000 followers, to publish “false, misleading, defamatory and threatening statements and videos” against Governor Eno.

She was charged on six counts, including criminal defamation, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace and publication of false news, tied to her advocacy over the disputed Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve.

She was remanded in correctional custody after pleading not guilty.

Her application for bail had been denied, resulting in prolonged detention.

This drew months of appeals by Ekid women and youths across Eket and Esit Eket local government areas, with demonstrators marching through Eket in June carrying placards appealing directly to the governor.

Beyond the Governor, the union acknowledged the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence Ntenyin Dr Solomon D. Etuk, CFR, for his role in the resolution, saying his “timely intervention, persistent interest, and commitment to a peaceful resolution bore this fruit today.”

It extended appreciation to the Paramount Rulers of Eket and Esit Eket, the Clan Head of Ekid Offiong, Arch Bishop Senator Helen Esuene, sociocultural organisations, women and youth leaders, religious leaders, the press, and the legal team led by Akpadiaha Ebitu Esq, along with other individuals and union members who supported the campaign for Udoito’s release “morally and financially.”

The union declared the matter closed and urged Akwa Ibom residents to turn their attention to collective development.

The Union called for unity in “the task of building a united and prosperous Akwa Ibom state.”

When the matter came up at the State High Court in Uyo on Wednesday, the Court exercised His discretion and granted her bail in light terms.