By Akan Akpan
A socio-political group in the state known as Uyo People’s Alliance for Good Governance (UPAGG) has made an appeal for a rotational representation in the interest of fair play and equity.
This historic appeal was made during an broad meeting of the group, which was held at Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono, Uyo Urban. Addressing a packed hall of youths, elders, women leaders and community stakeholders, the Chairman of the meeting, Hon. Ime Afia expressed that the appeal was based on the principle of rotational representation, sighting the concerns of the people of Ikono Clan, and that of Uyo at large, that the demand “will only be fair for the people of Ikono to present and endorse someone from ward 9 of Ikono clan”.
Hon. Afia speaking further pointed out with emphasis that, “we say no to any form of imposition, Uyo people from the four clans (Ikono, Etoi, Oku and Offot), to choose their representative as enlisted in the constitution of the party, All Progressive Congress (APC)”.
However, the gathering had in the light of these concerns call upon the people of Ikono Clan in Uyo State Constituency to re-access their support for Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo and engaged in dialogues about a viable alternative who will fully represent the interest of Ikono Clan and Uyo State Constituency.
In a communique signed and summited to news men at the end of the historic briefing, it clearly states that, “this observation of the score card is regarded as one of the most influential grassroot mobilization platform in the area”. Hon. Afia stressed that the decision followed wide consultations across the II wards of Uyo. Also stating that Ikono Clan has two wards which comprises Ward 8 and Ward 9 respectively and elective positions in the clan into the House of Assembly and Chairmanship of the local council has always been on a rotational representation for equity and fairness.
Emphasizing thus that, in 2002 Arc. Essien Nkanga from ward 9 represented the good people of Uyo in the council as Chairman, when it came back to Ikono it had to rotate to ward 8 in which we were represented by Hon. Imoh Okon. Saying that, “same applies to the State House of Assembly, in 2007 Hon. Ekere Afia from ward 9 represented us in the State House of Assembly and when it came back to Ikono Clan in 2023 it had to rotate to Ward 8 and we have our representative Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo ”.
It is important to note that Uyo Alliance had earlier adopted His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, as their sole candidates in their respective races.