Paramount Ruler Hosts Abasi People Movement, Urges Unity Among Ethnic Groups

ITU

The Paramount Ruler of Itu Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Edidem Edet Akpan Inyang, has called on members of the Abasi People Movement to promote inter-ethnic harmony as they work to unify the people of the former Calabar Province.

He gave the charge on Saturday at his palace in Ayadehe when he hosted the leadership of Abasi People Foundation.

Edidem Inyang, a veteran of the Nigerian Civil War and retired military officer, lamented that disunity fueled by greed and poor political leadership has hindered the economic progress of Abasi People. He described the divisions among ethnic groups such as the Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Ekoi, Oro, Ekid, and Obolo as artificial and recent, recalling that during his years in the military, all were collectively known as “Calabar people” and lived and fought side-by-side without ethnic distinctions.

He commended the initiative by the Abasi People Foundation to reunite the people, expressing confidence that a united front would position the Okop Usem people—spanning parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States—as an undeniable force in national affairs. He commended the full inclusion of Cross River’s southern communities in the movement.

“Every vision starts with a few people. There will be obstacles, but visionaries must overcome them,” he said. “God will help us. During my time in Abuja, I championed the cause of the eastern minorities, which led to the formation of the Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers Forum (CARF) in the FCT.”

He pledged his full support for the movement, emphasizing the region’s marginalization despite its contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

Earlier, the International President of the Abasi People Foundation, Engr. Victor Udo PhD, FNSE said the foundation aims to foster cultural and economic integration across the 38 local government areas that make up the old Calabar Province—31 in Akwa Ibom State and 7 in Cross River’s Southern Senatorial District.

He acknowledged the difficulty of the task but maintained it was necessary. “Someone must speak for our people. The entire creation is groaning, waiting for the manifestation Ndito – everyone that calls God, Abasi” Udo stated.

Also speaking, Engr. Daniel Udofia, another member of the group, said the foundation was born to address the disunity that has long plagued the region. “Our lack of unity is why Nigeria continues to sideline us, despite our rich contributions,” he said.

Retired Major Barrister Hogan Ene, a member of the Edidem’s Council, commended the group’s vision and pledged his support for the success of the movement.

The Abasi People Foundation says it will continue to consult widely with traditional institutions, political leaders, and stakeholders to advance the collective interest of Abasi People dialects groups; together, the 4th largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria.