Ikot Ekpene Federal Seat 2023: Obot Akara Youth insist on zoning
Youth structures from Obot Akara Local Government have insisted that the Local Government Areas in Ikot Ekpene Federal Seat maintain the zoning arrangement as instituted since 1999.
“We have reviewed the power rotation arrangements as it concerns the Federal Constituency Seat since 1999 and have agreed that the power rotation formula to be respected and Obot Akara allowed to occupy the federal seat in 2023.”
The declaration was made during an enlarged youth meeting held at the Local Government Secretariat, Nto Edino, on Friday.
The youths who brainstormed on salient issues bordering on the progress, development, power rotation and the general wellbeing of the area, insisted that for the sake of peaceful coexistence, respect for zoning and political inclusiveness, the Obot Akara quest should receive support from all blocs in the federal constituency.
They reviewed the power rotation arrangement in the constituency since 1999 as follows: “Abom Tony Esu – Obot Akara (1999-2003), Late Barr Nsini Umossoh/Hon. Suyiekere Inokon – Essien Udim (2003-2007), Hon Patty Etete – Ikot Ekpene (2007-2011), Hon Saviour Udoh – Obot Akara (2011-2015), Rt Hon Emmanuel Akpan – Essien Udim (2015 – 2019), Rt Hon Nsikak Ekong – Ikot Ekpene (2019 – 2023).”
“This is the peaceful arrangement of the political fathers of this Constituency, and must be sustained. We hereby call and request Ikot Ekpene and Essien Udim LGAs to toe the line of peace and support Obot Akara LGA for the federal Constituency representation in 2023,” they declared.
While calling on Obot Akara people to be law abiding in pursuit of the agitation, the youths “strongly advised aspirants and supporters should be democratic in their actions and desist from heating up the polity now and during 2023 polls.”
“Fifth columnists and purveyors of bad politics are warned against any attempt to cause disaffections, disunity and unrest in the constituency by denying Obot Akara a shot at the Federal House,” they also cautioned.
While acknowledging that Obot Akara has credible aspirants for the office, they appealed to the PDP and Governor Udom Emmanuel to wade in and ensure that the needful is done.
The Forum announced that its members are in support of the Completion Agenda and peaceful disposition of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration.
“We have identified Peace as a mission that is worth pursuing and maintained, as espoused by His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel. We have promised that Obot Akara as a boundary LGA will work assiduously to ensure that no inch of Obot Akara land is enmeshed in externally or internally instigated violence and unrest before, during and after the 2023 polls,” they added.
Members of the forum also “appreciate(d) Governor Udom Emmanuel for the construction of twin bridges and 6.4km Nto Edino-Ekwerazu road, linking Obot Akara LGA, Akwa Ibom State with Ekwerazu, Obingwa LGA in Abia, appointment of Obot Akara sons and daughters into vital Government positions in the state.”
