By Our Reporter
Youths of Midim Clan in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have strongly rejected a controversial publication circulating in the public domain which seeks to portray Professor Nkereuwem Etukudoh in a negative light, describing the document as a calculated attempt to distract attention from the real issues affecting the clan.
The youths also questioned what they described as the continued involvement of retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Udom Ekpoudom, and the Paramount Ruler of Abak Local Government Area, HRM Akuku Sylvester Udofia, in the prolonged leadership and youth affairs crisis in Midim Clan.
Speaking during separate interactions with our correspondent, several youth leaders argued that neither Ekpoudom nor the Paramount Ruler is indigenous to Midim Clan, yet both individuals continue to feature prominently in disputes affecting the community.
According to the youths, Midim has endured more than a decade of leadership disputes, beginning with the controversial clan headship contest conducted in 2014. Community members maintain that the crisis has generated divisions within traditional institutions and weakened confidence among many stakeholders.
The youths alleged that while Midim continues to grapple with internal disagreements, external influences have allegedly complicated efforts to achieve reconciliation and lasting peace.
They specifically questioned why retired DIG Udom Ekpoudom, who hails from Etim Ekpo Local Government Area but has family ties to Midim through marriage, has remained actively associated with petitions and disputes concerning the clan.
“Midim people are asking legitimate questions. Why are individuals who are not from Midim so interested in determining the future of Midim? Why should our internal affairs become a battleground for outsiders while they return to their own communities and enjoy peace?” one youth leader stated.
The youths expressed similar concerns regarding the role of the Abak Paramount Ruler, HRM Akuku Sylvester Udofia. While acknowledging his position as Paramount Ruler of Abak and Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, they argued that decisions affecting Midim should primarily reflect the wishes and traditions of Midim communities themselves.
The controversy has intensified following the circulation of a publication titled “A Compendium of Alleged Corruption, Power Abuse, and Cultural Subversion Perpetuated by the Incumbent Paramount Ruler of Abak LGA.” The publication contains numerous allegations relating to traditional governance and community leadership.
However, Midim youths insist that attempts by some individuals to link Professor Nkereuwem Etukudoh to the authorship, sponsorship, or promotion of the document are false, misleading, and unsupported by evidence.
According to them, Professor Etukudoh should not be dragged into disputes arising from longstanding traditional and political disagreements within the clan.
The youths described the alleged attempts to associate the professor with the publication as part of a wider campaign aimed at discrediting individuals perceived to hold contrary views on the Midim crisis.
“We reject every attempt to use Professor Nkereuwem Etukudoh as a scapegoat in this matter. Those making such allegations should provide evidence or desist from spreading narratives capable of causing further division within the community,” another stakeholder said.
Community members further argued that the real issues requiring attention are the unresolved clan headship dispute, youth leadership disagreements, and concerns about community cohesion and security.
They maintained that public debate should focus on finding sustainable solutions rather than engaging in personal attacks or assigning blame without proof.
Several stakeholders also expressed concern that continuing controversies surrounding traditional leadership and youth representation could negatively affect community policing initiatives within the clan.
According to them, effective community policing depends on public trust, cooperation, and credible leadership structures capable of mobilizing residents against crime and insecurity.
“When communities become divided, security suffers. Community policing can only succeed when leaders enjoy broad acceptance and confidence among the people,” a youth representative stated.
The youths therefore called on all parties involved in the Midim crisis to embrace dialogue, respect ongoing legal processes, and refrain from actions capable of escalating tensions.
They further urged political leaders, traditional institutions, security agencies, and government authorities to prioritize peace, fairness, and justice in resolving all outstanding disputes affecting the clan.
As the various issues remain subjects of public debate and legal consideration, the youths insist that Midim deserves peace, unity, and the opportunity to determine its future free from external interference and unnecessary controversy.
Efforts to obtain responses from individuals mentioned in the allegations were not immediately successful as of press time. Those mentioned may have differing accounts of the events and allegations referenced in this report.
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