A civil society organization in Akwa Ibom State, Open Forum, has criticized the hoisting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag alongside the Nigerian and Akwa Ibom State flags at the refurbished Ibom Plaza, calling it an “over-politicisation” of public infrastructure.

In a statement signed by its founder, Mathew Kofi Okono, the group stressed that Ibom Plaza, established during the Obong Victor Attah administration, is a public recreation centre, not a political party office. He warned that if unchecked, political flags could start appearing at government offices, schools, hospitals, and other public institutions.

Okono urged the state government to legislate against the flying of political party flags at government houses, on official vehicles, and in public offices, emphasizing that partisan activities should be limited to party secretariats and gatherings.

The group also weighed in on the Stubb Creek land dispute between Ibeno and Eket, calling on Governor Umo Eno to direct the Federal Ministry of Works to publish the route of the Coastal Highway and establish a Think-Tank/Mediation Committee—excluding politicians directly involved—to propose a sustainable solution.

The proposed committee’s mandate would include clarifying local government claims, reviewing prior judgments, identifying illegal allocations or encroachments, and investigating financial interests behind disputes.