By Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo

The Oron Youth Movement (OYOM), a civil liberty organization in Akwa Ibom State, has raised concerns over the perceived ethnic imbalance in Governor Umo Eno’s recent nomination of commissioners and special advisers.

In a protest letter addressed to the governor, OYOM urged him to reassess the nomination list to ensure fair representation for the Oro ethnic nationality, which comprises Oron, Mbo, Udung Uko, Urue Offong/Oruko, and Okobo. The group emphasized that as the third-largest ethnic group in the state, Oro Nation deserves proportional representation in governance.

The letter, dated February 12, 2025, and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Saturday, was signed by OYOM’s National President, Comrade Edet Eyo, National Secretary, Comrade Edet Iyahakwa, National Director of Women Affairs, Comrade Sylvia Ekpot, National Director of Security & Special Duties, Comrade Oyokunyi Umoh, and other key members.

Governor Eno had recently submitted a list of 27 commissioner and special adviser nominees to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation. However, OYOM criticized the distribution, highlighting that 17 nominees were from the Ibibio ethnic group, 7 from Annang, and only 2 from the Oro ethnic group.

“The glaring imbalance in the representation of our people is a stark reminder of the systemic marginalization and injustice we have faced for far too long in a state we are part of,” the letter stated.

The group further noted that the nominations appear to follow a local government-based process, yet Oro, which has five local government areas, was allotted only two slots.

“This is not just about numbers; it is a matter of fairness, equity, and justice. We urge the governor to ensure that the Oron ethnic nationality receives fair representation, reflective of our contributions to the state’s growth and development,” the statement added.

OYOM emphasized that the Oro people are critical stakeholders in Akwa Ibom’s progress and called on the governor to uphold principles of inclusiveness, equity, and fairness in governance.