Group ask Udom to get successor from Itu- Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency

A group under the appellation Akwa Ibom State Council of Ministers has called on political parties in the state to respect the zoning arrangements instituted by different political parties, reasoning that, such was the only way of guaranteeing equity, fair play, and a sense of belonging.

This view was made by the President of the religious inclined body Apostle Joseph Nyong and Secretary Apostle Elijah Usoh, during a press conference in Uyo, the state capital.

They frowned at the action of the governor for not respecting the zoning arrangements in the state, stressing that, the appointment of the commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Mr. Umoh Eno, does not reflect equity and fairness in his endorsement.

The group explained that former governor Obong Victor Attah who championed the endorsement was a product of zoning in 1999 and wondered why the statesman decided to connive with Governor Udom Emmanuel to scuttle the same zoning arrangement that enthroned him as governor in 1999.

“We also express our disappointment and dissatisfaction at the pivotal role played by the duo of Obong Victor Attah and Oku Ibom Ibibio on the said endorsement. Attah as an elder statesman and a beneficiary of zoning can not blow hot and cold at the same time.

” Moreover, the Oku Ibom Ibibio as the custodian of our traditional institution is expected at all times to be a father to all and maintain neutrality in the political affairs of the state”.

The President of the group insisted that Governor Udom Emmanuel’s endorsement amounted to imposition and outsmarting of the majority of Akwa Ibom people.

” Such endorsement does not only represent imposition and direct affront on the political will of the majority of Akwa Ibom people but is also a clear violation of the long-standing and immutable zoning arrangements in the state”.

He, therefore, urged Governor Udom Emmanuel to search for his successor from Itu- Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the interest of peace, equity, and fair play.

” There is no gainsaying the fact that it is only Itu/ Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency that is yet to produce the governor of all the federal constituencies within Uyo Senatorial District. It is therefore equitable and fair that it should be micro zoned to the federal constituency of Itu/Ibiono”.

He observed that GovernorUdom Emmanuel and some few individuals under the guise of ” fathers of faith ” claimed that God revealed his choice of successor adding that it was a bare face lie being given credence.

” The God we worship is not an author of confusion, not purveyor of crisis and disunity. As a God of orderliness, equity and fairness, it is incongruous and unconscionable for the governor and the so-called fathers of faith to use His name to seek validation of an obviously unpopular and unacceptable choice”

The group threatened that if the public discontentment that heralded Governor Udom Emmanuel’s endorsement is not well handled, it might degenerate into an avoidable crisis in the 2023 general election.

Nyong concluded that the church can not stay aloof as few individuals mortgage the peace and stability of the state, adding that the right thing must be done by reversing the imposition of a preferred candidate of the state.

He said, ” We want to categorically state here that for the purpose of emphasis that as a church, we will not fold our arms and watch few individuals mortgages the peace and stability enjoyed in the state”.