February 03, (THEWILL) – A religious group under the aegis of Akwa Ibom state Council of Ministers has said that Governor Udom Emmanuel never displayed equity and fairness in the recent endorsement of the commissioner of Lands and Water Resources, Mr. Umo Eno as his successor come 2023, demanding a total withdrawal of such in the interest of peace.
Addressing a press conference in Uyo on Thursday, President of the group, Apostle Joseph Nyong and Secretary Apostle Elijah Usoh said the action did not represent the zoning arrangement that had existed in the state.
The group explained that former Governor, Obong Victor Attah, who spearheaded the endorsement was a product of zoning system in 1999 and wondered why the elder statesman decided to connive with the incumbent governorl to scuttle the same zoning arrangements that enthroned him as governor of the state.
“We also express our disappointment and dissatisfaction at the pivotal role played by the duo of Obong Victor Attah and Oku Ibom Ibibio on the said endorsement Attah as an elder statesman and a beneficiary of zoning can not blow hot and cold at the same time.”
“Moreover, the Oku Ibom Ibibio as the custodian of if our traditional institution is expected at all times to be a father to all and maintained neutrality in the political affairs of the state.”
President of the group insisted that Governor Emmanuel’s endorsement amounted to imposition and outsmarting of majority of Akwa Ibom people.
“Such endorsement does not only snack of imposition and direct affront on the political will of majority of Akwa Ibom people but is also clear violation of of the long standing and immutable zoning arrangements in the state.”
He therefore urged governor Emmanuel to search for his successor from Itu- Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the interest of peace, equity and fair play.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that it is only Itu/ Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency that is yet to produce the governor of all federal constituencies within Uyo Senatorial District. It is therefore equitable and fair that it should be micro zoned to the federal constituency of Itu/Ibiono.”
He observed that Governor Emmanuel and a few individuals under the guise of “fathers of faith” claimed that God revealed his choice of successor adding that it was a bare face lie being given credence.
“The God we worship is not an author of confusion not purveyor of crisis and disunity. As a God of orderliness, equity and fairness, it is incongruous and unconscionable for the governor and the so called fathers of faith to use his name to seek validation of an obviously unpopular and unacceptable choice.”
The group threatened that if the public discontentment that heralded Governor Emmanuel’s endorsement is not well handled, it might degenerate into avoidable crisis in 2023 general election.
The president concluded that the church can not stay aloof as few individuals mortgage the peace and stability of the state adding that the right thing must be done by reversing the imposition of a preferred candidate of the state.
“We want to categorically state that for the purpose of emphasis, as a church, we will not fold our arms and watch few individuals mortgage the peace and stability enjoyed in the state,” Apostle Joseph stressed.
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