The Chairman of the Grand Elders Council of Clans Club International, Ekong Udoro, has warned that divisive rhetoric surrounding Nigeria’s rising terrorism threat only weakens national resolve.
He urged Nigerians to unite behind government efforts to end the killings perpetrated by terrorists, bandits, and insurgents across the country.
Udoro spoke in Calabar during the club’s 38th Special Converge, themed “Back to Rutz: The Future, the Prospects.”
Reiterating the need for national cohesion, Udoro condemned attitudes that embolden forces working against Nigeria’s interests.
“Cheering centrifugal forces aligned against the country’s economic interest leaves our national security architecture vulnerable to attacks and ridicule,” he said.
He stressed that defeating terrorism requires collective effort. “For Nigeria to make serious progress in the fight against terror, all hands must be on deck. Nigerians must speak with one voice and support government measures to end the menace.”
He added that the gathering was convened to enforce a Federal High Court judgment directing the club to revert to its constitution.
The ruling, delivered on July 10, 2025, nullified all actions taken by the club’s defunct governing bodies since April 1, 2017, and ordered the founding members to convene a meeting to reconstitute its leadership.
Following the ruling, the club elected new leaders, including Dr. Ekong Udoro as Chairman of the Grand Elders Council and Chief Oliver Orok as National President.
The converge also featured the inauguration and formal handing over of the staff of office to the new president.
The court’s decision marks an end to years of internal disputes and sets the club on a path back to constitutional order. The new leadership is tasked with restoring unity and cooperation among members.
Founding member Elder Mfon Essang noted that the club thrives when guided by originality, responsibility, innovation, creativity, and mutual love. He encouraged members to challenge assumptions to unlock their full potential.
Chairman of the International Special Converge Planning Committee, Chief Oliver Orok, explained that the converge was necessary to enforce the court ruling. He said the unconstitutional actions of past administrators derailed the club and deprived it of the legal framework needed for progress.
Accepting his new role, Chief Orok pledged to steer the club toward unity and proper governance. “We will strive to lead the club forward, promoting cooperation among members and ensuring a full return to constitutional order,” he said.