2015: On zoning we stand, say Eket Stakeholders

Stakeholders of Eket Federal Constituency say they are in full support of zoning and will ensure that the district produces a Governor come 2015. They said this last May Day at Eden Hotels in Eket during a press conference addressed by stakeholders of the federal constituency. The group while appreciating the Governor Godswill Akpabio and the PDP for zoning the governorship to the senatorial district, they boasted that the region has enough persons that can lead the state to an enviable height after the State Governor Godswill Akpabio.

The group said, we the Elders and Stakeholders of Eket Federal Constituency have invited you to this press conference. We are here to state our position on recent political developments in our State particularly the zoning of the 2015 governorship to Eket Senatorial District by the people of AKwa Ibom State and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

From all indices, this landmark decision is founded on the overwhelming popular support for justice, fairness and equity garnered from the generality of the Akwa Ibom people, as witnessed during the recent town hall meetings/briefings by the State Governor across the ten federal constituencies of the State. You will recall that the town hall meeting was a veritable democratic platform for Akwa Ibom people to air their views without hindrance.

We are happy that our dear Governor as the leader of the party in the State and a true democrat went round the State with the officers of the State PDP to consult with, and feel the pulse of the people of the State. Today, the party has aligned itself with the interest of majority of people from Akwa Ibom State in accepting that the next governor of our dear State should come from Eket Senatorial District.

Akwa Ibom State has always upheld the principle of zoning in determining the governorship of the State. Uyo Senatorial District with 9 local government areas took the first slot in 1999. Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District with 10 local government areas took the second slot in 2007. It is now the turn of the largest senatorial district in Akwa Ibom State, Eket Senatorial District with 12 local government areas, to produce the governor of the State for the first time since the creation of the State in 1987.

We wish to express our deep appreciation to the dynamic Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, past and present national and State lawmakers, national and State officers of the party, other members of the State Executive Committee, party stakeholders and the entire people of Akwa Ibom State over the avowed decision of the State to zone the 2015 governorship position to Eket Senatorial District.

The zoning of the governorship to EKet Senatorial District will undoubtedly cement the bond of unity in our State. It will promote politics of inclusion since ever part of our State will have a sense of belonging. It will also bring a refreshing perspective to the development challenges confronting us as a people.

It is important to recall that the zoning of the 2007 governorship to Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District gave birth to the uncommon transformation of our State. We are confident that the zoning of 2015 governorship to Eket Senatorial District will bring forth the uncommon industrialization and sustainable development of our State, especially since Eket Senatorial District is the industrial base of the State.

Speaking further, the group maintained in their release that, As leaders and major stakeholders of Eket Federal Constituency, we unequivocally assure the people of the State that Eket Federal Constituency has more than enough competent hands to serve efficiently and effectively as governor from 2015.
Most of our aspirants are competing in the race to the Hilltop Mansion on the basis of their personal integrity, merit, proven competence, demonstrated leadership capabilities, impeccable professional excellence, and a completely detribalized disposition.

Since the creation of the State in 1987, Eket Federal Constituency, unlike Oron and Ikot Abasi, remains the only one in Eket Senatorial District that is yet to produce and elected deputy governor. While Ikot Abasi has produced three deputy governors Oron has produced a deputy governor.

Accordingly, we earnestly appeal for more support and cooperation from the good people of Akwa Ibom State in the build-up to the 2015 governorship elections in order to ensure that the most competent and qualified of our sons is elected to consolidate on the achievement of Governor Godswill Akpabio.

We in Eket Federal Constituency hereby UNANIMOUSLY assert that anybody who emerges from Eket Federal Constituency as the next governor of our dear State will work hard for the collective good and even spread of development across the entire State.