November 24, (THEWILL) – A chieftain of People Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State Mr. James Iniama has said that the decision of the party on the method of conducting primaries before the general election must be accepted by party members ahead of 2023 elections.
He warned members against negative comments on the matter pending when the leadership had given the final verdict to be abided by its supporters .
Speaking to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, Iniama said the issue of Macro zoning of the Governorship seat to Uyo Senatorial District would be adopted or rejected by majority opinion when it comes to front burner for discussion in the party, adding that politicians should not be jittery about it .
Iniama expressed the hope that Akwa Ibom people being lovers of peace, equity, fairness and truth know that the truth before the state presently is that political leadership of the state is done through zoning which has been respected over time.
Mr. James Iniama’s opinion is coming just one week after another chieftain, Senator Anietie Okon had insisted that the Governorship position though zoned to Uyo Senatorial District should be zoned specifically to Itu Federal Constituency, which is made up of Itu and Ibiono Ibom Local Government Areas.
Sen. Okon who is the pioneer National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party has reasoned that; since the two other federal constituencies, Uyo and Etinan have produced persons each for the position, it would only be fair and just for the party to zone the governorship to Itu federal constituency.
He maintained that he strongly believed that all state actors would support their agitation for the next governorship slot given the role the constituency played in the emergence of their sons.
His words, “All we are saying is that the 2023 governorship should be zoned to Itu federal constituency, because looking at it, other federal constituencies in Uyo Senatorial district have had their turn. And we do not lack people of capacity from Itu federal constituency.
“I believe in zoning of the position because the zoning principle has been what laid the foundation of political stability and sense of inclusion in Akwa Ibom state. I am saying that under the Uyo Senatorial district, this is the only federal constituency that has not produced a governor.
“There was Late Akpan Isemin from Etinan Federal constituency, then came Victor Attah from Uyo federal constituency. Now after Victor Attah it will be only proper that the Itu federal constituency should produce a governor, for equity, justice and fairness.
“We know that the people of Uyo Senatorial district are decent and think clearly, and in any case Itu federal constituency has men with the capacity to lead the state to better times. We don’t want to be involved in whatever argument anybody is putting up”
The Estate Surveyor and Valuer, who is also a Governorship aspirant in the 2023 election maintained that though Itu Federal Constituency has ably qualified persons that can compete favourably with others “We would ask and insist that the Zoning will come to Itu Federal Constituency because we belong to Uyo Senatorial District and our other Federal Constituencies have had a chance at the exalted office but we haven’t.
“I believe that when the time for settlement comes our leaders will sit together and agree that the Itu Federal Constituency be given a chance to produce a governor for the state.
Collaborating, a political leader in Oron Federal Constituency, Arch. Okon NseAbasi, said that the Oro people of Eket Senatorial District are in solidarity with the Itu Federal Constituency saying such gesture would assure them of a chance in 2031 when another turn comes for Eket Senatorial District.
He however urged aspirants from Itu Federal Constituency to come together for an international convention and decide to front an individual to demonstrate their love, togetherness and unity of purpose.
“Let the micro zoning begin with them, others must see that they love themselves and have unity of purpose. They have homework to do. Let all of them show to us that they are more intelligent than us, and avail themselves to the public under the terms and conditions of the law. When they meet, any of them that is better than the rest should be projected. Yes, show us the team, show us the man you want for the work.
“Such a person must be able to convince his competitors that from his Federal Constituency that he is competent and Akwa Ibom people will see that Itu and Ibiono Ibom people are ready and humble for the job. In that case, anybody that emerges will win.” NseAbasi collaborated.
He expressed appreciation at the achievements of the present administration but says it could be better within the next four years.
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