Ikono Zoning Saga: Setting the Record Straight
This intervention is premised on the three vectors. These vectors are listed hereunder and would provide a nuanced understanding of the issue of zoning as pertains to Ikono. They are:
1. Ikono L.G.A is divided into 3 geopolitical zone.
a. Ikono Middle
b. Ikono South
c. Ediene-Itak
2. There are mainly 2 Elected Political offices that is internally available amongst the 3 geopolitical zones;
i. Office of the Council Chairman.
ii. Office of the House of the Assembly.
3. The office of the Council Chairman is for single term in each of the zones (3 years) while that of House of Assembly is permitted for a double term (8 years) in each of the zones accordingly as the case may be.
4. Every zone has equal right in the zoning process to take turn in the rotatory sequence.
An Historical Perspective
Zoning has always been a thorny issue in our politics, yet it has ensured equity and stability in our polity. However, something more than zoning was required in 2018, when two of the internally available political offices in Ikono namely; both the office of House of Assembly and Council Chairmanship by rotatory sequence found their way to Ediene-itak simultaneously. While it was argued that the Ediene Itak had a valid claim to those positions, it would have created a skewed scenario where political power was concentrated in one area essentially leaving the other two zones in political wilderness.
By broad consensus and unanimity it was arrived at that it wasn’t politically ideal for the only two offices in the L.G.A to be domiciled in one zone at same time. Interestingly to reconfigure the unique scenario at hand stakeholders settled on “Streamlining”. The implication was the office of the House of Assembly was taken from Ediene Itak and given to Ikono South after due consideration and permutation which office they are still running for the fifth year now and will get through 2027 (8 years).
History Repeats Itself
As the zoning systematically makes it rotation, the 2018 scenario has played out again. The house of Assembly is in Ikono South at this time, and by zoning arrangement , the office of the council chairman would go to Ikono South.
Regard for Precedence and Equity
Precedence is a sacred principle in our jurisprudence. Whenever there is a similar case that is to be decided and Judgment given, seasoned Judges deem it fit to make references to decided cases.
Similarly, in our Local dialect “Se ekenam eno Nna Udo, yak enam Ntro eno Nna Akpan ” has been the phrase used to entrench fairness and as an antidote to injustice. Therefore, it is once again time to streamline otherwise we won’t be fair to ourselves.
Conclusion
The decision to be made is neither complex or Cumbersome. If Ikono South is allowed to produce the next council Chairman, it will simply defile the political balance in the Land as well making Ediene Itak feel marginalized and cheated on. Therefore the stakeholders must revert to the doctrine of “streamlining” that proved to be a silver bullet in 2018.
On the other hand, if Ikono middle is allowed to produce the next chairman, the local government will be going against convention by jettisoning the Single-term arrangement that has been a buffer against instability.
Bearing in mind that Ikono middle just finished their single term tenure and they are still holding the one Year transition Government. The question before stakeholders is, are Ikono people ready to change from a single term Chairmanship position to a double term? Once this question is answered, Ikono middle is good to go.
Now to Ediene-Itak what’s the implication if they are asked to produce the next Chairman.
1. It will appear like a swap. House of Assembly was streamlined, taken from Ediene-Itak given to Ikono South (Asuquo Nnanna – Mbakara), therefore streamlining the office of the Council Chairman taken from Ikono south to Ediene – Itak will appear a very equitable and best way of resolving issues of this nature.
2. It will as well saves a similar future problem coming up 2027.
N/B: Both the offices of the House of Assembly and Chairmanship according to the prevailing zoning system is naturally falling at Ediene – Itak Simultaneously in 2027. (Therefore I think a stitch in time saves Nine).
Wise Consideration:
Ediene – Itak producing the next chairman not only shows equity and fairness, but the most viable pathway to maintain political stability in the local Government. We must show strength of character and act with foresight to forestall unnecessary contention and rancor in the polity. Especially considering the experience of the last election.
Dr.Samuel Etim.
