Stakeholders and youths of Amayam clan in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area on Saturday, June 29, 2024, applauded Governor Umo Bassey Eno on his directive that zoning of elective political offices be maintained across the state in the forthcoming local government elections.
This position was reached at an inclusive meeting of stakeholders, village youths and their leaders within the clan, held in Ikot Udoe. The meeting witnessed an impressive turnout of youths from all walks of life thronging the venue.
In their separate speeches and goodwill messages, they unanimously expressed gratitude to God for granting the governor wisdom to make an unbiased decision on zoning.
They commended the governor’s unapologetic stance for justice and fairness which will eventually lead to a peaceful, free and credible local government elections in a few weeks time.
Speaking at the event, a former Supervisory Councillor for Health, Special Duties and Youth Development, Prince Samuel Ukut, praised God for coming through for Amayam people by guiding Governor Umo Eno to make such profound decision within a record time.
“Zoning has been an issue within the last three to four weeks. We’ve been agitating, consulting and pleading with the powers that be in the local government area to allow Amayam breathe and have their right of rotation after Urban has taken nine years on the seat as Chairman.
“Although it is rightly the turn of Amayam to contest for the office, there were attempts to alter that untill the governor stepped in at the right time to save us”.
Ukut also pointed out that “Governor Umo Eno is a leader after God’s heart, dispensing govenrance with equity, justice and fairness. We were not in doubt that he would be fair to all considering his determination to ensure that projects are sited in all the 31 Local Government Areas. Akwa Ibom State is blessed to have such a God fearing leader at this time.”
Also speaking, Obonganwan Lucy Monday Udo, a renowned woman leader from Ibong Ikot Akan Village, noted that Governor Eno operates on God’s wisdom in decision making.
” We are aware that if zoning was not upheld there would have been problems. So, as a peaceful leader, the governor averted all the problems by making a wise and timely decision on zoning.
” Now, there will be no problems between Urban and Amayam clans on whom to support for the Office of Executive Chairman of Ikot Ekpene,” she enthused.
She used the opportunity to thank youths, women and all stakeholders of Amayam clan for their resolve, resilience and deep sense of purpose displayed in insisting that power must come to Amayam.
“I appeal to Amayam youths, women and men to come together and endorse a credible aspirant that will excel in the race and stand the test of time”.
In his view, Hon. Owoikana Isaac Ekanem, immediate Deputy Chief Whip of the Seventh Assembly of Ikot Ekpene Legislative Council, stated that ” it’s no longer news that it is the turn of Amayam to produce the executive chairman as we thought it wise to gather like this to make our position known.
“Unfortunately, some persons tried to scuttle that age-long, time tested power rotation arrangement between the two clans. Whereas, Amayam people have been peaceful and supportive, we insist it’s our turn.
“Incidentally, the governor has taken a stand on the issue of zoning. He has shown direction, everyone should adhere unless they want to fight the governor”.
Highlight of the meeting was a resolution to identify a credible grassroots politician among the youths of Amayam, who has performed well in past assignments, to be endorsed for the chairmanship position.
