By Emmanuel Sampson
In what could be described as, total neglect, political cheating, age -long Marginalization and political imbalance in Ini politics, Nkari Stakeholder’s Forum (NSF), says they have this far been excluded from the political process in the local and state government politics hence made an urgent plea to Gov. Umo Eno and the State chairman of the party to ensure that Nkari kingdom does not continue to suffer the political relegation in the upcoming Local Government elections.
At a media parley with some journalist’s on Tuesday July 2nd, International President of the Forum, Hon. Effiong Udoette, who was flaked by the General Secretary, Barr. Alphonsus Okon, Ex-officio Barr. Bassey Ekpo, and others, argued that every part of Ini should be fairly treated and evenly accommodated in the political equilibrium to ensure fairness and equity in the LGA.
They forum commended Gov. Umo Eno’s unapologetic stance for justice and fairness which according to them will lead to a peaceful,free, fair and credible local Government elections with Nkari kingdom having a fair share of a local Government chairmanship slot in the upcoming elections.
They observed with deep concern, the marginalisation and unjust treatment of Nkari, ward 4, informed that since the inception of the current democratic dispensation in 1999, as no person from Nkari has occupied any elective or appointed position in the area.
Giving insight to their demands, NSF, explained that Hon. Emmanuel Ebe was the Executive Chairman, Ikono North 1, ward 6, from 1999-2002 and 2003-2006, after which Chief Ukata Akpan (late) represents INI, at the Akwa lbom state House of Assembly, from Itu Mbonuso ward 3, 1999-2003 and 3003-2007, followed by Obong Boniface Essien (late), chairman from ikpe ward 2, 2008!-2011.
Still not recognise despite their enormous contributions to the LGA, Hon. Etteetim Anwantim came in as Chairman from Iwerre ward 5. 2012-2015 and followed by Obong Paul Owo from Ukwok, ward 9, to speak for INI at the Akwa lbom state House of Assembly, who had already served as the chairman prior to being in the Assembly. Owo was succeeded by Hon. Israel Idaisin as chairman from ward 7 who stayed from 2017 to 2020, 2020 to 2024.
Further statistics shows that, currently Hon. Emmanuel Uma from ikpe ward 1 is the PDP chapter chairman, while Hon. Lawrence Udoide from Ukwok ward 10 is holding the mantle for INI at the House of Assembly,with Nkari Clan with long years of loyalty, business argument and commitment having nothing. The president, and all his Executive members, speaking in one voice said Nkari kingdom have remained one of the stronghold of PDP family with consistent track record of loyalty, dedication and commitment to the government.
“The present situation whereby no elective position has been given to Nkari Clan (ward) 4, since the advent of the current democratic government in 1999 to date,is unfair,unjust, perpetuated by others who have been favoured politically to continually oppressed and suppressed the collective will of Nkari people.”
“It is on this note that the men, women and youths of Nkari kingdom appeale and advised all stakeholders to key in completely with the resolutions and decisions of Nkari to endorse a candidate from the clan for the sake of peace, equity and justice among the geo political zones.”
While praising Gov. Umo Eno for introducing compassion into governance, the highly rated group, noted without doubt that Nkari and by extension Ini people have seen and felt the impacts of the governor in one year in office, mentioned some ongoing projects in Nkari includes; construction of Nkari -Mbiabong Ikot Udofia road, construction of Model primary school in Nkari to be equipped with the State of the arts facilities.