Etim Ekpo Youths Demand Equitable Zoning of Political Offices

By Ndiana Ekpenyong

Youths of Ikono Clan in Etim Ekpo Local Government has called for fairness and equity in sharing of political offices in the area.

The youths who paid a courtesy visit on the Special Assistant to Governor on Project Supervision, Comrade Mbuotidem Afia, said Ikono Clan in Etim Local Government Area has been neglected in the political arrangement of the area especially in the sharing of political offices.

The leader of the delegation, Mr. Ime Umoh said the clan has been neglected in the politics of Etim Ekpo Local Government. According to him, “We five Clan in Etim Ekpo; Obong Clan, Utu, Utut Annang, Oruk Clan and Ikono Clan. Ikono clan has not produced any House of Assembly member since the creation of Akwa Ibom State. Obong Clan has produced Hon. Efiok Edu Okorie, Utu Clan produced Rt Hon. Nse Ekanem and late Hon. Ini Ekanem; Otut Annang Clan, Rt Hon. Emmanuel Ekon and Hon. Akanimoh Edet; Oruk Clan produced Hon. Akan Eyo, Ikono Clan is yet to have a representative. Ikono Clan in Etim Ekpo Local Government is not a minority clan in Etim Ekpo.

“By the grace of God, we the youths of Ikono Clan are awake to the faith of our greatness and demand that Ikono Clan in Etim Ekpo should produce a law maker in 2019. This is our turn going by the zoning principle in the State.

“We are going to support our brother, Comrade Mbuotidem Afia to contest and represent us in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in 2019. We the youths have agreed to purchase the nomination form for him to contest for House of Assembly in 2019”.

The Youth called on the Governor to look into the politics of Etim Ekpo Local Government, adding that “some areas have been sideline and cheated in the areas of representation”. The youths commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his political inclusive leadership and pledged their total support to Governor in 2019.

Responding, the Special Assistant to Governor, Comrade Mbuotidem Afia commended, adding that he was humbled and touched by the concern of the youths.

“Ikono clan is not a minority clan. I used to think I am alone in this but with your concern, I now know it is struggle for fairness and equity. I thank you for supporting Governor Udom Emmanuel. The Governor is our leader irrespective of our political affiliation. What you are saying is that Ikono time has come and I am prepared for what you asked me to do”.

He charge the youths to take the message back to the 14 villages in Ikono Clan in Etim Ekpo Local Government “that Ikono time has come and we can’t be neglected. We are only asking for the political equation in Etim Ekpo to be  balanced’.

Afia seized the opportunity to also commend the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel for supporting the governor and for giving succor to the less-privilege person in the society.  He assured the youths of Ikono Clan that Governor Udom Emmanuel would continue to deliver on his campaign promises to the people of Akwa Ibom Sate, urging them to not to give up in their support for the Udom Emmanuel’s administration.