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…reaffirms support for Etim Etim
By Emmanuel Sampson
As the political atmosphere of the state tense up following the up coming Local Government Elections. A social political group known as Nkari Stakeholders’ Forum, ward 4 in Ini Local government Area of Akwa Ibom State has threatened to stop elections from holding in their land or pull out of the race if the area is not allowed to produce the next Chairman of Ini after many years of negligence and political impunity.
At a parley with some journalists in Uyo, International President of the Forum, Hon. Effiong Udoette, who was represented by the General Secretary, Barr. Alphonsus Okon, and Ex-officio Barr. Bassey Ekpo, alleged that they have been subjected to all forms of marginalization and injustice by by some Ini stakeholders which they said, their ward have been favoured with political positions over the years thereby depriving them from occupying any political office since the returned of democracy in 1999.
The President noted that other wards have taken their turns in producing various political office holders but Nkari has been denied the opportunity to produce any. A situation he described “as unfortunate before God and man”
”It is disheartening to note that Nkari which accounts for over 80% of agricultural produced from Akwa Ibom state has been wantonly neglected and excluded in the democratic governance of the Local Government and the State. We are saying enough is enough, we are also part of Ini” Barr. Alphonsus intoned.
The NSF president also informed that Nkari people have been marginalized in terms of infrastructural development and sitting of key economic institutions despite their enormous contributions to the development of the state, called on His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno to use his good office and intervern for Nkari, as continuous political relegation of Nkari people may affect the future political stability of the LGA.
Speaking, the Nkari Consensus Aspirant, Elder Etim Etim hinted that his passion to become the Council Chairman stemed from the call by his people; adding that having been well versed with the dynamics of his Local Government Area as well as being favoured by the zoning structure, he has what it takes to take up the onerous task of leading his people as Chairman.
He highlighted his achievements during his tenure as the Secretary, Niger Delta Council and expressed optimism that he will be elected as Ini Council Chairman in the much anticipated elections; and that with his vast leadership experience, he will attract investors and provide an enabling environment for them to operate, in order to foster development in his LGA.
