By Chioma Onuegbu

EKET—GOVERNOR Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, reminded members of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state that zoning formula was sacrosanct as the party primaries beckons.

Gov Emmanuel Udom

Emmanuel at a meeting with chapter and ward officers at the party secretariat, Edet Akpan Avenue, pointed out that it was the respect for the zoning arrangement during the local government council primaries in 2017 that made the exercise rancour free.

He said: “And those who were defeated at the primaries did not defect to other political parties. So those who know that it is not the turn of their zone should wait for their turn, as the party will certainly give you the opportunity to aspire.

“I promise you, I will not violate the zoning structure of the party. The party can streamline, but we cannot violate it. To aspire is something that is natural, every human being has the right to do so, but whatsoever that we do, let it not divide the party, let it not bring any acrimony between us.

“Election will come and go but relationship remains forever, let it not be because of political office, we create enmity amongst us.”

The governor also advised party members to be weary of external forces whose aim is to create problems in the party especially during this political year.

“I want to plead as political activities kick off in earnest, let us not play into the hands of outsiders (opposition) and let  nobody sponsor you with the aim of taking your brother to court for unnecessary expenses,” he stressed.