2023 A’ Ibom Governorship Elections: “His choice at this level does not represent the ‘anointing,’ ‘imposition’ or ‘insults’… where there will be primaries and subsequent elections”_ Essien

A former member of the National Assembly, Chief Nduese Essien who represented Eket Federal Constituency at the green chamber of the National Assembly for eight years, has called on persons castigating Governor Udom Emmanuel for naming his preferred successor to sheath their swords.

It would be recalled that since the governor named his preferred successor on the 30th of January, he has been under intense criticism from Akwa Ibomites venting their resentments in the social and conventional media with some calling him a dictator.

Essien proposed this truce while speaking with journalists at his Shelter Afrique residence in Uyo, stressing that such behaviour was unbecoming of the peace-loving people of Akwa Ibom state saying it was unnecessary.

According to him, it was unimaginable that a sitting governor would not be interested in who succeeds him in office, noting that the privilege to make a choice as an individual and as a governor, was his inalienable right.

“As an active participant in politics since 1979 and an avid student of electioneering processes, I have never seen an election where individuals do not have preferences for aspirants.

“It is unimaginable that a sitting Governor would not be interested in who succeeds him in office. Governor Emmanuel has the inalienable right to make a choice as an individual and more so, as a governor.

“It is absolutely unnecessary to heat up the polity by throwing up tantrums, innuendos, and insults that desecrate the office of the governor and the persons who witnessed the choice.

“This is the aftermath of the dwindling powers of the political parties which have let loose individuals or cabals who have taken over the functions of the parties. Gone are the days when political parties were supreme and dictated the process.

“His choice at this level does not represent the ‘anointing’ ‘imposition’ or ‘insults’ to Akwa Ibom people where there will be primaries and subsequent elections. It does not also make the governor a dictator with unprintable names”, he said.

He maintained that the governor’s choice before the primary election was not the final position in the election adding that, other aspirants and their supporters still have an option to accept the governor’s choice or continue to press their luck to be chosen at the next level and thus nullify the preference of the governor.