The Uyo Liberation Movement (ULM), a socio-political group in Akwa Ibom State, has intensified its campaign for equitable distribution of political offices in Uyo Local Government Area, insisting that the Offot Clan should produce the next member representing Uyo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

The group made its position known during a courtesy visit to the Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Edidem Sylvanus Okon, on Wednesday.

Speaking during the visit, ULM President, Barrister Udeme Ekot, said the group decided to take its advocacy to the traditional ruler because of his role as the custodian of the people’s culture and traditions.

“We in Uyo Liberation Movement decided to be a voice to the voiceless. Uyo has a tradition that the House of Assembly seat rotates around the four clans of Uyo,” Ekot said.

According to him, the rotational arrangement, which dates back to the beginning of the Fourth Republic, provides for each clan to occupy the seat for a single four-year term.

“If there is need to review that agreement, it should start with Oku Clan after Offot has concluded their tenure. We are taking this advocacy to everywhere, starting from the Paramount Ruler. Uyo must be in unity,” he stated.

Ekot warned that failure to respect the zoning arrangement could create political discontent ahead of the 2027 elections.

Also speaking, the Secretary-General of ULM, Elder Emmanuel Sam, reiterated the group’s position that the House of Assembly seat should be ceded to Offot Ukwa Clan.

“Our interest is to ensure that Offot Ukwa Clan produces House of Assembly member for Uyo State Constituency come 2027,” he said.

Responding, the Paramount Ruler appealed for peaceful resolution of political disagreements and urged stakeholders to embrace dialogue.

“I would encourage you all to always tell government your demands and when it is necessary to sit on the round table, please do so because brothers are not meant to quarrel,” the monarch said.

He also cautioned politicians against using their proximity to power to oppress or victimize others.

The visit was attended by several members of the delegation, including Hon. Nse Brownson, Mr. David Ikpe, Mr. Caleb Effiong, Mr. Usen Okon and other stakeholders.