In line with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) principle of zoning, the people of Ward 9 in Ukanafun on Saturday decided through secret balloting which village would produce a Councilor in the coming Local Government election. The people decided between IkotEbok and IkotEdemEwah at Government Primary School, IkotNdotAfaha Obo.
The Chief Electoral Officer who is the Chapter Chairmanof the Party in Ukanafun, Mr. Magnus Akpan said that power resides with the people as they have decided on which village would produce the next Councilor to represent the Ward. Announcing the results, IkotEdemEwah got 8 votes whileIkotEbokwon with 33 votes.
The Electoral Officer stressed that the decision was in accordance withPDP zoning formula which guarantees equity and justice for peace and stability of the polity. He maintained that zoning makes the grassroots relevant in deciding what they want and would encourage even development of the community.
Also speaking after announcement of the results, the political leader of Ward 9 and former Chairman of Ukanafun LGA, Hon. AniebietOdung who statedwith satisfaction the free and fair conduct of the exercise, commended the people for coming out to decide for themselves, saying that zoning brings peace, equity and justice to the people and would curtail election expenses by the aspirants and gave more power to the people. He expressed optimism that by similar process the people of the Ward would decide on a consensus PDP candidate for the ward, stating that grassroots democracy is germane to good governance and development of the people.
It was learnt that Ward 9 comprises of 8 villages with 9 units and is divided between Afaha Obo group of villages:IkotNdot, IkotNtia, Ata EssienAfaha Obo, NdotIkot Akwa;and UrukOtong group or villages are:IkotArankere,IkotUdo, IkotEbok and IkotEdemEwah. The last Councilor, the paper learnt, was from Ata EssienAfaha Obo in Afaha Obo group of villages. The next turn goes to UrukOtong group of Villages as IkotEbok emerged with 33 out of 41 votes.
The exercise which the 2 contesting villages expressed satisfaction was witnessed by Chapter Executives of the Party, stakeholders in the Ward, Councillorship aspirants, security operatives and the press.
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