LG Chairmanship Screening: Eastern Obolo: Stakeholders Protest Imposition of Aspirant *Demand Fair play, Justice for Two Contenders

By Joseph Atainyang

The recent publication of screened Chairmanship aspirants by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has caused ripple in Eastern Obolo local government area as stakeholders of the party have gone to the streets in protest.

The people who stated that there was no adoption of consensus Chairmanship aspirant for the local government area, added that the two aspirants who bought the form were from the same Zone (Okwan Obolo) and should be allowed to test their popularity in the field.

Numbering over 300, the stakeholders and youths who staged a protest in Okoro Inyong village in Eastern Obolo Ward VII, insisted that the popular candidate, Pastor Awajionyi Nteile was rather screened out.

Addressing newsmen who arrived the venue much later, the former chapter chairman of the party and former vice chairman of council, Hon. George M. Francis frowned at any imposition attempt, calling on the state chairman of the party, Hon. Udo Ekoenyong to call the screening committee chairman to order.

Flanked by a former Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Hezekiah M. Utile; a former PDP Chapter Chairman and current Member, Primary Health Care Development Board, Hon. Sampson A. Unyeawaji and Mr Israel Lambat, George Francis explained that there was never a meeting by the party's stakeholders where any aspirant was adopted.

Reiterating that only two aspirants were jostling for the Chairmanship ticket, George Francis pointed out that "it was unfair for Pastor Awajionyi Festus Nteile to be severed out, even after meeting all the requirements as stipulated in the party's guidelines."

He called on the Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel and the state chairman of the party, Hon. Udo Ekoenyong to intervene in the interest of justice and fair play.

He said, "Up until now, the aspirant was deliberately schemed out without any genuine reason. He is favoured by the existing zoning structure in Eastern Obolo LGA.

"It is important that government should put an end to the entrenched culture of imposition that has eaten deep into the fabrics of Eastern Obolo LGA. 

"We say no to politics of underdevelopment. We frown against this politics of godfatherism where a council chairman is answerable to one person, instead of the people of the area.

"We honestly believe in the transparent disposition of our dear Governor and we plead with His Excellency to direct the Appeal Panel to upturn the recommendation of the Screening Committee. 

"The people of Eastern Obolo are making this appeal in the interest of justice, peace and equity", he said.

Other stakeholders who led the protest included Christianah C. Ubulom, Gabriel E. Donimi, Mr Brownson Waribo Igoni, Sunny E. Lazarus, Tuesday Tuesday David, a former councilor, Hon. Sigismund C. John, among others.