By Mkpoikana Edem
Pursuance to the communiqué issued by one of the Clans in Uyo Local government, based on the zooning of State House of Assembly seat to Etoi which was brought before the public domain, a lot of beehive activities and tilting towards a fixed-point of which clan produces the next man to be saddled with the responsibility of speaking for the good people of Uyo.
At the coronation of the new Clan Head of Etoi Clan, His Highness Etebom Okon Edet Udo-Abasi held at Okuku Palace Square, Etoi in Uyo Local Government Area, on Saturday 1st, April, 2017.
The Clan head and stakeholders, took turn to express their positions, reiterated some resolutions arrived at and contained in a communiqué issued at the end of Etoi political stakeholders meeting of the People Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday March 29, 2017.
At the said meeting of Etoi PDP stakeholders, various resolutions arose, including the appreciation of His Excellency Udom Emmanuel for the appointment of Etoi sons into key government positions and the initiation of quality projects in the area; a pass of a vote of confidence on Mr. Udom Emmanuel and endorsement of his second term bid; as well as a congratulatory message to Obong Paul Ekpo on his emergence as the chairman, Forum of PDP State Chairmen.
Also, as contained in the communiqué, the stakeholders condemned any move initiated by person(s) to deny Etoi their rights come 2019 State House of Assembly election.
This however forms the number Seven (7) resolutions in the communiqué which states “we know that PDP has always been guided by the party’s constitution which provides for the principles of justice, equity and fairness.
“That for the avoidance of ethnic rivalry, bad blood, injustice and bitterness, Uyo people instituted zooning in respect of the State constituency representation in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA)”
These points were reiterated by political stakeholders of Etoi extraction at the Clan Head’s coronation ceremony who warned against second term seekers.
Stating that by virtue of the age-long zooning arrangement, 2019 election into the State House of Assembly be contested by qualified candidates from Etoi Clan.
It is noteworthy that no clan in Uyo State constituency has ever produced representative(s) of the State Constituency for two (2) consecutive tenures.
Notably, eschewing all forms of aberrations, let history tell its story and fact speaks for itself should anybody choose to doubt my assertion. All the four clans had taken their turns since the inception of democracy 1999 – 2003 Hon. Aniedi Ndem, (Oku Clan); 2003 – 2007 Hon. Archibong Inyang (Etoi Clan); 2007 – 2011, Hon. Ekere Afia (Ikono Clan); 2011 – 2015, Hon. Edwin Joseph (Offot Clan); 2015 – 2019, Hon. Monday Eyo (Oku Clan).
Hence, one sees no political or social justification why Etoi shouldn’t be given a chance or one engage in another campaign to return to the State legislature, come 2019.
My candid advice is that second term campaigners should desist from blind aspirations for the unity and peace of Uyo people.
This attempt will only amount to gross injustice, because it has never happened in the history of Uyo. Etoi should be given a chance. What is sauce for the goose is also good for the gander.
Another truth is that the structure of the state’s ruling party in Uyo Local Government is gradually becoming powerless, feeble and debilitated.
This is as a result of ineffective representation, poor leadership style and refusal to empower constituents by the current member of Uyo State Constituency as seen in Ini and Nsit Ubium State Constituencies.
However, following the trend of events in Uyo State Constituency, since the election of our representative at the hallowed chamber, one would ordinarily conclude that civic engagement of constituents is retrogressive and unforthcoming.
In this light, it must be noted that the yearnings by the people of Uyo State Constituency for a requisite constituency briefing and empowerment programme has fallen on deaf ears as the Honourable member is seemingly unready to adhere to public yearnings.
Obviously, this current tempo might be the reason behind the alarming resentment expressed by the good people of Uyo State Constituency which is known in playing a pivoting role due to its voting strength in Governorship election.
Astonishingly, Hon. Monday Eyo has remained mute and quiescent in the face of expressed anger and frustration by his fast reducing team of admirers. Let’s begins to imagine the level to which he can possibly deliver the governor’s political agenda.
A tree cannot make a forest. APC is gradually taking over Uyo and PDP should not make a lifelong mistake that would repeat the history of 2011 House of Assembly election.
Howbeit, the truth is that the good people of Etoi Clan deserve an opportunity because it is their turn to produce the next member to represent the Uyo people. So, it is advisable for Uyo people to come together and take decisions that will unite the good people of Uyo. Else, it may be the last straw that would break the camel’s back.
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