By Ayo Onikoyi

The people of Amayam Clan in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have sent a passionate appeal to Governor Umo Bassey Eno to take a judicious look at the flow of political office holders, particularly, Office of the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area between 1997 and 2023; which they believe is lopsided and heavily weighed against them.

In a statement that scrutinizes and draws attention to how this important office has been juggled to promote equity and fairness between Amayam and Urban clans, Amayam Peoples Forum insist on covering the period that accommodates both elected and transitional chairmen in order to show clearly that now is the rightful and legal turn of Amayam to produce the next elected Chairman of Ikot Ekpene come October 2024.

There have been seven local government chairmen in the period under consideration, between 1999 and 2023, out of which Urban Clan has produced four chairmen, while Amayam had three. However, if the tenure of transition chairmen are taken into account, Urban Clan have been in office 17 times against nine chairmen from Amayam clan who have occupied office as Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. When it comes to membership of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, persons from Urban Clan have held the position four times, while Amayam has only tasted the office for one tenure. The announcement signed by Chief Uwem Okon, a leader of the Amayam people urged Governor Eno prevail on the political class in Ikot Ekpene to ensure that zoning must be maintained and observed.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor had earlier warned the present Transition Chairmen that if zoning does not favour them, they should not try to scuttle the existing zoning arrangement. However, some chairmen are now attempting to go against His Excellency’s warning.

Based on the directive of Governor Eno, Amayam Peoples Forum insist that Council Chairmanship position in Ikot Ekpene in the forthcoming Local Government Election in 2024 as a matter of right and established rotation should go to Amayam Clan. Zoning is sacrosanct and must be upheld to foster peace, unity and progress in Ikot Ekpene.

It is important to note that Chairmanship position is a straight choice between the two clans of Ikot Ekpene; Amayam and Urban Clans.