***Call For Gov. Umo Eno's Intervention
As the Local Government elections in Akwa Ibom State draw near, the people of Ibesikpo Southern are facing heartbreak.
Our reporter gathered on Friday that, women in the area have threatened a hunger strike and are seriously protesting against alleged moves to disrupt the established zoning arrangement that has been in place since the creation of the Local Government.
However, Ibesikpo is divided into two zones: the Northern zone with two wards; Wards 1 and 2, and the Southern zone with four wards; Wards 3, 4, 5 and 6.
This reporter gathered that, the Northern zone has had more representation, producing two Executive Chairmen—Dr. Emaeyak N. Ukpong from Northern Ibesikpo Ward 1 and Hon. Ekpe James from Northern Ibesikpo Ward 2—along with two Transition Chairmen and a Vice Chairman.
In contrast, the Southern zone has only produced one Executive Chairman, Hon. Uwem Ita Etuk from Ward 3, and one House of Assembly member, Hon. Ekpeowo Ekpo, who did not complete his tenure due to his untimely demise.
Indigenes of the area who spoke with us, said the upcoming Council Polls were widely believed to have zoned the Chairmanship to Southern Ibesikpo.
However, they alleged that recent political schemes by influential figures outside the local government appear to be undermining this arrangement and that, this has threatened to exclude the Southern zone from the Chairmanship race.
Some prominent sons and daughters of the area, including Barr. Etido Paul Ekpe, Obong Sylvester Akpan, and Mrs. Roseline Inemesit Akpabio, all members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have voiced their distress.
In their separate reactions, the people said they feel cheated and used, with Barr. Ekpe calling for the party to uphold justice, fairness, and equity that it is known for, since inception.
On her part, Mrs. Akabio stated that the women of Southern Ibesikpo would embark on a seven-day hunger strike if their right to the Chairmanship is taken away.
She appealed to Governor Umo Eno, whom she emphasized is a leader with highly level of integrity and fairness, to intervene and ensure that justice prevails.
The people maintained that the current political situation has left the people of Southern Ibesikpo feeling marginalized and betrayed.
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