UYO—AS the debate on the zoning of 2015 gubernatorial seat in Akwa Ibom rages on, Edidem Edem Silas Akpan, Paramount Ruler of Uyo, the state capital, has called for zoning to be respected by all.

He position is in sharp contrast to that of some elders from Uyo Senatorial District, the district that has produced three of the state’s four indigenous governors, who have been kicking against zoning the governorship seat to Eket Senatorial District, the only district that has not occupied the seat since the creation of the state 24 years ago.

In an address read at his fourth coronation anniversary, Saturday, Edidem Akpan advised that zoning should be strictly adhered to in the collective interest of all.

His said: “At this juncture, may I pause and appeal to the political class to see politics as a game which must be played with decency and decorum.

“The zoning principle, which had earlier been adopted by the political class and approved by the traditional class, should be adhered to strictly in the collective interest of all.”

which makes the game of politics less-cumbersome, stress free, devoid of rancor and less expensive,

“Those seeking political offices and positions should be men and women of integrity, men of good character, compassion, competence and commitment, capable and willing to see political office as a call to community service and not an avenue for self-enrichment and aggrandizement.”