… Says Zoning Must Be Fair, Just, Acceptable
A chairmanship aspirant in Ikot Ekpene, Hon. Iberedem Isonguyo Akpan, has pledged to work in tandem with stakeholders in the area to bring about growth and development in key economic sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, trade, security, and others.
Speaking with our reporter through a mobile handset, the former Councillor of Nsiak, Ward 4, popularly known as Bebeto, maintained that after 73 years Ikot Ekpene should boast of core development hubs and move from being a mere experimental to an established model in local government administration.
In his words, “I’ve prepared myself to lead and my track record as a Councillor proves that I’m a distinguished leader with a passion for excellence and a commitment to serving my people.
” With a rich political history and a plethora of achievements, I aspire to serve Ikot Ekpene people and lead us to where ought to be”. He stated.
A sneak peep as his credentials reveals that Bebeto who was born on July 7, 1980, in Nsiak, Ikot Ekpene LGA, has risen through the ranks of leadership, leaving an indelible mark on every platform he has graced.
As a graduate of the University of Uyo, where he bagged a degree in Library and Information Science, he equipped himself with relevant skills to excel in public service.
During his tenure as elected Councilor representing Ikot Ekpene Urban Ward 4 (INEC) and Ward 5 (AKISIEC), between 2021 and 2023, he achieved among others the following, moving motions for the betterment of his constituents and Ikot Ekpene at large.
He facilitated the grading of farm roads and rehabilitation of the Umuahia/Aba road intersection, moved the motion for the building of a health center in his ward, shared 95% of his salary with ward stakeholders and supporters, and offered financial grants to women and students.
Other achievements include training six persons in skill acquisition, distributing customized exercise books and writing materials to pupils in all three primary schools in his Ward, sponsoring the Otoro Ubo Unity Football Cup competition, and sponsored his ward to participate in the 2022 Chairman’s Cup football competition and other sporting activities and building a family hall for his NTO INYANG EKPE FAMILY in Nsiak village as well as initiating, completing and donating a clean drinking borehole water to his community, tagged “Liberation Water”
Hon. Iberedem Akpan, while speaking on the ongoing discourse about zoning in Ikot Ekpene, said there is no need for controversy because every enlightened stakeholder knows it is the turn of Ikot Ekpene Urban.
According to him, zoning has been seen as fair, just, balanced, and accepted by all, pointing out that Pastor Sunny Ibuot, who was from Amayam, Ikot Ekpene Urban held the positions of State House of Assembly by Rt. Hon Nsikak Ekong, Chapter Chairman being Chief Sunny Ibanga, Commissioner being Mr. Don Etim, SSA to Governor being Engr. Etido Inyang hence Amayam appealed and sought a second term to balance the scale of power.
“This was agreed on and effectively started two terms in office as part of zoning arrangements, which began with Pastor Sunny Ibuot (Amayam) and continued to the end with Mrs. Gloria Useh (Amayam). Ikot Ekpene Urban to its two terms and completed Hon. Unyime Etim (Ikot Ekpene Urban).
“Ordinarily, the zoning should’ve gone to Amayam, but because Amayam now holds positions of Member of State House of Assembly, Commissioner, SSA to the governor and Chapter Chairman, there is equally need for equity, justice and balance of power in favor of Ikot Ekpene Urban”.
