IWADU Pass Vote of Confidence on Governor Eno

Insist on rotational principle of zoning

…as PR sues for peace

By Emmanuel Sampson

A foremost socio-cultural and political organisation in Akwa Ibom State, Ibiono Ibom Welfare Association and Development Union (IWADU), have passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Governor Umo Eno on the celebration of his one year in office.

The highly rated group, unanimously identified with the Governor during the National General meeting of the organization on Saturday June 8,2024 at the Udom Emmanuel IWADU House, Ikpa.

Presided over by the International President, Prince Godwin Okon and attended by his executive members, they expressed gratitude with the speed of progress Akwa Ibom State have recorded and by extension key projects located in Ibiono Ibom.

While praising the governor for introducing compassion into governance, empathy, and candor, the President noted without any doubt that Ibiono Ibom people have seen and felt the impacts of Governor Umo Eno’s one year in office, highlighted some of the projects in Ibiono to includes; completion of Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre DASAC at Ikot Ada Idem, donation of a fully furnished two-bedroom flat to a widow at Ikot Ekop, Grace Estate in Ibiono Southern and ongoing projects like Cardinal Ekanem Road, Ring Road III, and the Model Primary School, as well as the General Hospital, with many others on the pipeline.

Speaking on the upcoming Local Government Elections as announced by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), IWADU also resolved that and appealed to stakeholders, political parties as well as intending aspirants to maintain zoning arrangement for the office of the Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council, as previously agreed upon by IWADU, Ibiono Clan Council, leaders of thought, and the political class.

Giving more insight on the rotational principle, Prince Godwin Okon explained that all the five zones in Ibiono have had their turn, emphasizing that the arrangement be respected to maintain harmony and equity in the area, he informed that IWADU under his watch as the President will do everything possible to ensure that the candidate favour by zoning from Ibiono Western comprises wards 4, 5 and 6, is fully supported to emerged in the October’s Local Government elections.

In his words, “It is turn for Ibiono Western to produce the next elected Chairman, we should follow rotational principle instead of bringing personal and political interest to sabotage the aged long zoning formula.The Union will continue to support every genuine effort by government to maintain peace, order and stability in the LGA.”

Detailed available have shown that the entire five zones have produced elected Chairmen of the Council as follows; Ibiono Western, with Mr. Aniedi Jackson Udofia as the Chairman, Ibiono Eastern; Prince Eyo Utit,
Ibiono Central; Hon Godwin Ekpo, Ibiono Northern; Hon EkomAbasi Akpan and lastly Ibiono Southern; Hon Ekopimo Polycarp.

It is on this note that the union, advised all stakeholders to key in completely with the resolutions of IWADU and also endorse a single term for Chairmanship for the sake of peace, equity and justice among the five geo-political zones.

Speaking at the event, HRM Edidem (Dr.) Ime Udo Usoro Inyang, the Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom, who was accompanied by his Council of Chiefs preach peace and political stability in the area. Edidem Inyang said they will always stand in the gap for the people and offer solutions to eradicate various menaces, including insecurity, economic difficulties, and sociopolitical tensions.

High point of the occasion was the presentation of a 1.5 million Naira cheque to 100 women in the area to improve their businesses and the donation of 200,000 Naira towards the ongoing construction of the Ibiono Ibom House.

Also present at the occasion were; Chairman and members, Board of Trustees of the Union, Chapters of the Union within and outside the State Chairman, Governing Council of Dakada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC), Isantim Churchill Udoh, Secretary, Transition Committee, Ibiono Ibom Transition Committee Members, elders, women and youth groups.