By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo
The Elders and Leaders Forum of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom has advised a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio to withdraw from Saturday’s Senatorial election for the sustainance of peace equityity and fairness in the area.
A Communique issued after their meeting in Ikot Ekpene on Tuesday said only candidates from Abak Federal Constituency, which has not produced a Senator since Nigerian independence would receive the blessings and support of stakeholders in the district.
The communique was endorsed by the state Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, Former minister of Petroleum, Chief Don Etiebet, Senator Chris Ekpeyong, Senator Aloysius Etuk amongst many others.
It maintained that since the advent of the 4th Republic in 1999, three out of the four Federal Constituencies in the Senatorial District have had a Representation at the Senate while only Abak Federal Constituency have never had a representation.
“Whereas, Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency have represented us for 4 years, Ikot Ekpene federal Constituency have represented us for 12 years while Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency represented us for 8 years.
“Even in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Republics, other federal constituencies had the privilege of producing Senators, Abak federal Constituency, again, had no representation.
“Based on the foregoing, and in the interest of the peace, unity, progress and harmonious co-existence of the Senatorial District, we herby urge no one from the other three federal Constituencies to contest the 2023 Senatorial election.
“Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Elders, as Sons and Daughters of the Senatorial District, hereby resolve that the 2023 Senate seat should be solely and solemnly
reserved for Senatorial candidates from Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika federal Constituency.” It said.
The forum however expressed disappointment over the refusal of Akpabio to abide by the prevailing zoning arrangement in the district which has fostered peace and brotherhood in the area over the years.
“We despise the action of Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, from Ikot Ekpene federal Constituency, which has produced Senators five times with two from his family, the Akpabios including himself, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, for not listening to the voice of reasoning, brotherliness, fairness, and equity in the District, to drop his ambition to contest again but to give a chance to Abak federal Constituency that has not tasted the seat in 63 years.
“Senator Godswill Akpabio is reminded that the Abak federal Constituency has sacrificed it’s chances thrice to help him win the governorship in 2007 and 2011, and again to honour him as an Ex-Governor to go to the Senate in 2015.
“His refusal to respect the decision of the Leaders of the Senatorial District, to solely allow someone from Abak federal Constituency this time around, is nothing else but an arrogant exhibition of selfish ambition, which is capable of destroying the fabrics if unity, fairness and peace which have characterized the Senatorial elections in the District since 1960.” The communique said.
“This is why we, the political leaders of the Senatorial District have unanimously, irrespective of political party affiliations, endorsed and adopted Barr Emmanuel Enoidem, having been picked as the strongest candidate from the array of contestants from Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency.” They stated.
While calling on all eligible voters of the district to heed the stance of the Senatorial District Leaders, the forum said they would, “vehemently reject and resist any attempt to cause disaffection, disunity, and political crisis in the Senatorial District by anybody or group of persons no matter how highly placed.”
