By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Stakeholders In Ikpa Ibom Ward 2 Of Mkpat Enin Local Council Of Akwa Ibom, Have Voiced Strong Opposition To The Prolonged Marginalization Of The Ukam Group Of Villages, Insisting That The Next Chairman For The Local Government Must Be From Their Ward.
During A Recent Ukam Think Tank Forum, Key Figures From The Area Decried The Historical Exclusion Of Ikpa Ibom Ward 2 From Various Political, Social, Traditional, And Economic Opportunities.
They Noted That Since The Creation Of Mkpat Enin Lga In 1989 And Especially After Nigeria’s Return To Democracy In 1999, The Ward Has Been Conspicuously Absent From Major Positions Of Power And Influence.
A Communique Issued After The Forum, Signed By Prominent Leaders Including Bishop Victor Ufford, Engr. Samuel Rufus, And Former Mkpat Enin Lga Vice Chairman Rt. Hon. Godwin Udofot Yesterday Called For An End To The Exclusion Of Ikpa Ibom Ward 2.
They Highlighted The Stark Disparity In Political Appointments And Elected Positions, Pointing Out That Out Of Numerous Significant Roles, Only One Personal Assistant To The Governor Has Hailed From Ikpa Ibom Ward 2.
The Communique Outlined That No Elected Chairman Or Transition Committee Chairman Has Ever Been From Ikpa Ibom Ward 2 While Out Of 138 Appointed Officers In Mkpat Enin Since 1999, Only One Has Been From Ikpa Ibom Ward 2, Compared To Much Higher Numbers From Other Wards.
The Stakeholders Argued That It Is Now The Turn Of Ikpa Ibom Ward 2 To Produce The Next Chairman Of Mkpat Enin Lga Calling For Support From Other Wards Within The Ikpa Ibom Clan And From Other Clans In Mkpat Enin To Ensure Fair Representation.
The Communique Commended Governor Umo Eno For His Development Efforts In The State, Including The Appointment Of Hon. Akanimo Bob Ikpe From Ikpa Ibom Ward 2 As Personal Assistant But Emphasized That This Is The First Appointment Of Its Kind For Their Ward Since 1999, Underscoring The Depth Of Their Marginalization.
The Forum Called For The Equitable Distribution Of Political, Social, Traditional, And Economic Opportunities Within Mkpat Enin, Beginning With The Chairmanship Of The Area And Urged Relevant Stakeholders And The Government To Address And Rectify The Longstanding Neglect Of Ikpa Ibom Ward 2, Promoting Peace, Equity, And Justice In The Region.
