2023: Youth group kicks against imposition of governorship candidate, insist on Itu/Ibiono slot

The youth group from Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom state has appealed to the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, not to impose his successor on the people of the state.

Addressing journalists at the state secretariat of Nigeria Union of Journalists in Uyo Tuesday, the leader of the group Mr. Bassey Etim, called on the governor to allow the people to choose who they want to lead them.

In addition, he asked the PDP and the governor to respect the existing zoning arrangement which currently favours Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency to produce a governor in 2023, noting that, such would guarantee equity and justice.

The youth insisted that Governor Udom Emmanuel should respect the zoning arrangement of the People Democratic Party which now gravitates to Uyo Senatorial District and specifically favours Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, others having produced governor already.

Bassey, therefore, warned the governor to desist from spending state funds to finance his preferred aspirant Pastor Umo Eno, saying such a financial escapade could have dire consequences on the state purse.

He recalled that Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency was denied the opportunity to produce the governor in 1999 and 2014 when their illustrious sons aspired to become governor of the state but were prevailed upon to soft-pedal with a promise to be considered subsequently.

“In 1999 two prominent sons of Itu/Ibiono Ibom federal constituency; Obong Nsima Umoh (Abai Ibiono) and Late Obong Ebong Okon (OFR) stepped out to contest the gubernatorial election, but through the understanding midwife by stakeholders like Senator Anietie Okon, Chief Itak Bob Ekarika, Chief Otu Robert Akpan, Senator Ibok Essien, Otuekong Don Etiebet and late Senator Etang Umoeyo, etc., brokered the emergence of Obong Victor Attah as a consensus candidate of the party, on that accord Itu/Ibiono federal constituency were shown reasons to wait for the next turn, which is now.”

“In 2014, when one of our sons from the federal constituency, Obong Bassey Albert indicated interest for the position, stakeholders in the state, including, the then governor, His Excellency Obong Godswill Obot Akpabio, all impressed on the federal constituency to allow Eket senatorial district to take a shot. It was further agreed at the town hall meeting organized by the party stakeholders at the Kenedy Ekong Hall, Itu Local Government Council, that when the governorship returns to Uyo senatorial district, it shall be the turn of Itu/Ibiono Ibom federal constituency in the spirit of justice, equity and fair play.”

He said the people were not comfortable with the undemocratic disposition of Governor Udom Emmanuel which he said was capable of truncating democratic institutions in the state.

He appealed to governor Emmanuel to respect the age-long peace accord and be democratic in his approach of supporting his preferred candidate among other demands.

“The Governor can support whosoever he chooses but not to overtly or covertly coerce appointees or political office holders with threats of sanction or falling out of his favour for failing to support his preferred candidate, and or expressing their supports for other aspirants.

“Otherwise, imposition of any guise will certainly bring the existence of our party in Akwa Ibom State to an end, while promoting other political parties”.