Eastern Ibibio consults Ekid Peoples Union over 2023 governorship slot
…frowns at the high level of marginalization in the zone
…says it’s the turn of Itu/lbiono Federal Constituency to produce the next governor
of Akwa Ibom
….applauds Governor Emmanuel for peace and infrastructural development in Akwa Ibom State
Ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom State, a socio-political organization in the state known as Eastem Ibibio Peoples Association, a conglomerate of four Local Government Areas on Tuesday consulted Ekid Peoples Union, an apex socio-cultural organization of Ekid Nation and the highest Ekid decision Making body seeking for their support, partnership, and backings ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Akwa Ibom State.
The group which is drawn from the Eastern part of the state comprises of Itu, Ibiono Ibom, Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas respectively with a formidable leadership of past political leaders in each of the Local Government Areas whose aim is based on the agitation for a transparent and open zoning system of governorship position to Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency.
The group who expressed dissatisfaction and displeasure over the high rate of political, social and economic marginalization and negligence which they described as a political miasma which had in the last 22 years since the introduction of democracy in Nigeria crippled development in the zone.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Obong Barr, Eteyen Archibong who led executive members of the association hinted the leadership of Ekid Peoples Union that the
people of the four local government areas that constitute the association have been outrightly neglected and deprived of development projects by previous
administrations in the state.
He disclosed that the four Local Government Areas making up the Eastern Ibibio people have suffered an inglorious setbacks in the inclusion of their people in the mainstream of governance and high profiled or key political positions and this has resulted in lack of development in the area most particularly in the area of social amenities which happens to be the core responsibilities of any democratic government.
“As we speak, Eastern Ibibio people are the most neglected, forgotten and marginalized Local Government Areas in the entirety of Akwa Ibom State without the availability of any financial institution, infrastructural development, good road network, and any functional primary or secondary health care facility”. He decried.
The legal luminary debunked the purported claims that the group is projecting the interest of a particular aspirant in the forthcoming poll, and describes it as decidedly false, sensational, fictitious and a product of mischief and outright misinformation,
motivated by bile, anger and animus in an attempt to mar and smear the image cum reputation of the group.
“We have not presented nor supported any governorship aspirant, our agitation is simple, we are fighting for a cause which is not detrimental but beneficial to the
collective interest of the zone and indeed the generality of Akwa Ibom people for justice, fairness and equity to come into play.
“The cause is geared towards the total emancipation and liberation of Itu/lbiono Federal Constituency from further political, social discrimination and segregation. The movement is also poised to change the narrative of gross negligence and enhance growth and development in the zone.
“However, God will unveil a suitable, fit, bold, dogged and competent leader for the people of Akwa Ibom State from Itu/lbiono Federal Constituency and we will not hesitate to key into that aspiration at the appointed time. It is safe to discountenance the peddled rumors of projection and adoption of a preferred aspirant for the race”.
He opined.
Obong Eteyen Archibong however noted that the act of gross deprivation and negligence meted on the zone has politically and socially reduced their stance, strength voice, welfare cum wellbeing as a people and solicit for support of Ekid Peoples Union as one of the foremost decision makers who can influence their agitation to be achievable.
Also speaking, Obonganwan Christie Akpan, a former member of the House of Representative and a representative of the women wing of the group stated that Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency have capacitated and result oriented men and the prerequisite qualifications to hold different leadership positions women who have in the state most significantly the governorship position, thus it should be zoned to the federal Constituency in order to depict a true practice of democracy.
Responding, the National President of Ekid Peoples Union, Dr. Samuel Udonsak expressed delight on the honour bestowed on the group by the Eastern Ibibio Peoples
Association describing it as a good step in the right direction. He expressed sympathy on the gross negligence of Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency in the last two
decades and promised to convey their plights and agitations to the Board of Trustees,
Stakeholders and indeed the extended members of the organization during a general meeting that would be held subsequently.
Dr. Udonsak assured them that the decision of the organization will be
communicated to the group which the outcome of the meeting and the agreement is reached.
In attendance were; Dr. Samuel Udonsak, The National President of Ekid Peoples Union, the general secretary Barr. Bassey Dan Abia Jnr. Deputy Political Leader of
Esit Eket and Former House of Representative member, Chief Jack Udoata, a former House of Assembly member, Prof. Ben Akpan, Engr. Samuel Eshiet amongst other members.
The Eastern Ibibio delegation includes prominent sons & daughters of the Area.
