A group under the aegis of Akwa Ibom State Council of Ministers has dmcalled on Governor Udom Emmanuel bto withdraw his endorsement of his Lands Commissioner, Pastor Umo Eno as his preferred successor.
Addressing a press conference in Uyo on Thursday , President of Akwa Ibom Council of Ministers also known as Soldiers of Christ, Apostle Joseph Nyong accused Emmanuel of not displaying equity and fairness in the purported endorsement.
Nyong explained that former Governor Victor Attah who spearheaded the endorsement was a product of zoning in 1999 and wondered why he connived with connive with Emmanuel to scuttle the same zoning arrangements that benefitted the two of them.
“We also express our disappointment and dissatisfaction at the pivotal role played by the duo of Obong Victor Attah and Oku Ibom Ibibio on the said endorsement.
“Attah as an elder statesman and a beneficiary of zoning can not blow hot and cold at the same time.
“Moreover , the Oku Ibom Ibibio as the custodian of if our traditional institution is expected at all times to be a father to all and maintained neutrality in the political affairs of the state.” The President said.
He insisted that Governor Emmanuel’s endorsement amounted to imposition and disrespect for the will of majority of Akwa Ibom people .
“Such endorsement does not only snack of imposition and direct affront on the political will of majority of Akwa Ibom people but is also clear violation of of the long standing and immutable zoning arrangements in the state .” Nyong said.
He therefore urged governor Emmanuel to search for his successor from Itu- Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the interest of peace , equity and fair play.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that it is only Itu/ Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency that is yet to produce the governor of all federal constituencies within Uyo Senatorial District . It is therefore equitable and fair that it should be micro zoned to the federal constituency of Itu/Ibiono.” He explained.
He said it was a fallacy for the Governor and some few individuals under the guise of “Fathers of faith” to claim that God revealed his choice of successor.
” The God we worship is not an author of confusion not purveyor of crisis and disunity . As a God of orderliness , equity and fairness , it is incongruous and unconscionable for the governor and the so called fathers of faith to use his name to seek validation of an obviously unpopular and unacceptable choice.” He said.
The group threatened that if the public discontentment that followed Governor Emmanuel’s endorsement is not well handled , it might degenerate into avoidable crisis in 2923 general election.
The president said that the church would not stay aloof as few individuals mortgage the peace and stability of the state adding that the right thing should be done by reversing the imposition of a preferred candidate on the state.
” We want to categorically state here that for the purpose of emphasis that as a church , we will not fold our arms and watch few individuals mortgage the peace and stability enjoyed in the state.” He said.
