LG Polls: Citizens Condemn Attempt to Distort Zoning Arrangement in Uyo

 

By Anny Bassey

Concerned Citizens of Offot Ukwa Clan in Uyo Local Government Area have condemned ongoing attempt by political gladiators in Uyo to distort the existing zoning arrangement in the area.

The citizens under the auspices of Uyo Aborigines made this position known recently while reacting to the speculations that some PDP chieftains in the corridors of power are currently championing the cause for the re-election of Dr. Uwemedimo Udoh as the executive chairman of the area.

Speaking on the implication, Mr. Charles Inyang, a political stalwart from Aka Offot said such distortion is capable of jeopardizing the existing unity amongst the four Clans that make up Uyo Local Government Area.

It would be recalled that political stakeholders from respective Wards in Uyo had in 2002 agreed to rotate the existing elective offices including the office of Chairman and the seat for Uyo State Constituency, among the four Clans that make up the area.

Explaining further, Mr. Inyang hinted that this arrangement had since 2002 been sustained for any of these office holders to maintain a single term of 3 years for the office of Chairman and 4 years for the State House of Assembly.

"Should there be any reason for an amendment, I think such a decision must be unanimously agreed upon by the respective stakeholders from the four Clans that make up Uyo L.G.A to avoid rancour and disruption of the zoning formula in Uyo" he reasoned.

Affirming this position, Chief Patrick Efa from Eniong Offot hinted that the notion stressing that most of the political appointees  are from Offot Clan and so should allow other Clans to produce the chairman is not tenable, because such appointments could be terminated at any point in time.

He therefore cautioned that any attempt to truncate the existing zoning arrangement may not only be resisted, but could pave way for the opposition party to take over the mantle of leadership in the council area.

To ensure political stability, Chief Efa has therefore called on those clamouring for the re-election of Dr Uwemedimo Udoh to have a rethink and give peace a chance by upholding the existing zoning arrangement in the area, ahead of the forth coming local government polls in the State.

They expressed confidence that the state governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno who, himself is a product of zoning will do the needful by upholding the zoning formula in the area which they stated has established peace and tranquility in their communities.