The battle for the Mkpat Enin Local Government Chairmanship seat has begun as the people of Ukpum Minya Ward IV are pleading with other 13 wards to give them a chance having not tested any elective position 25 years after its creation.
In an enlarged stakeholders meeting attended by about 328 people, the Ukpum Minya natives who occupy Mkpat Enin Urban resolved and set up a 10-man Committee to work towards the dream of producing the next chairman even as they commissioned the committee to work more in the adoption of a 17-page research paper presented at the forum by one of the stakeholders which reveals the elective political misfortune of the Ward which has spanned through years. The forum also used the gathering to congratulate the Governor-elect, Deacon Udom Emmanuel; his Deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo; Member-elect, Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, Chief Francis Uduyok and Mkpat Enin House Member-elect, Engr Otobong Ndem on their victories at the just concluded general polls.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Anietie Ekaette who recalled how Ukpum Minya suffered for the creation of the local government 25 years ago but could not smell any elective position and however stated that the people were no longer interested in any transition chairmanship appointment as that was capable of robbing them the opportunity of producing an elective one and stressed the need for them to work hard to earn the position.
In his observation, the former Transition Chairman of the area, Elder Ubong Ekwere Inyang, intimated that during the build-up to the last political dispensation, he had enlightened some stakeholders that it was Ibiaku turn to produce the chairman which he noted was granted and further maintained that he had made other suggestions, including zoning of the next chairmanship position to Ukpum Minya which he said were all adopted.
“It is now our turn here in Ukpum Minya Ward IV to produce the chairman of this local government. We only need to love ourselves and speak in one voice until what belongs to us is given to us. I advise you all to be together because we have been badly cheated”, Mr. Inyang added.
Also rallying support for the group, Obonganwan Rose Ekanem on behalf of the women sued for unity and togetherness among the people and said prayers would be useful towards actualizations of the cause. Speaking further, Ward IV Counselor, Hon. Isaac Akpan who spoke glowingly in support of other speakers added that while a peaceful demonstration within the area and Uyo would be important, a template on women development, youth development and elders welfare had to be developed to commit whoever was coming in as the chairman a good blueprint to work with.
On his part, the Youth Leader of Ukpum Minya, Comrade Kusin Okoko who lamented the deplorable condition of Mkpat Enin Local Government – citing the deserted outlook of the council headquarters –said the place had become a forest owing to ineffective leadership and urged the youths to be ready for the fight as it was part of their obligation to decide who ruled over them. Comrade Okoko cited an instance of the nomination of Onofiok Luke who was rejected by elders and governor Akpabio but greatly needed by the youths and charged the youth not to fret in cueing behind someone they believe in. Comrade Kusin Okoko however predicted doom for the People’s Democratic Party should they choose to fly any unpopular person against the interest of the youths.
Meanwhile, the Obong Uko Mkparawa Ukpin, Mr. Ekanem Brown Ekanem had suggested the creation of a sub-committee which would attract goodwill and sympathy from well-meaning individuals from the 14 wards and four clans of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
However, the meeting which was well attended by various interest groups witnessed warm approval from the people and was greatly spiced by the skillful rhetoric of the moderator, Mr. Isaac Inam who is also a youth activist in the area rallied support for the realization of the group’s agenda.
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