A Non-political organisation, Yala Movement for Equity, Justice and Fairness, has insisted on upholding of the 2010 zoning arrangement in Yala Local Government Area ahead of the forthcoming local government election in the state.
In a Press Statement signed by its Chairman, Hon. Edwin Odey Aboyi, and Secretary, Pastor Paul Ushang Ekwok, the organisation emphasised that respect for the 2010 zoning arrangement by the Committee headed by Barrister Ogana Lukpata will put pay to the tension and deliberate confusion currently ensuing in the local government area through the dragging of the position by politicians to their area
“The group has reviewed the political discussions in Yala which have generated so much tension and deliberate confusion in the polity and resolved to stand by the 2010 zoning committee report of Yala Local Government Area signed by Barrister Ogana Lukpata, Chairman/ member representing Wanihem ward, Mr Omaga Odo member representing Okpoma ward, Hon. Matthias Oko, member representing Gabu ward, Hon. Sam Anwegbe member representing Igede ward, Mrs Angelina Lifu, member representing Okuku ward, Mr Joe Agida, member representing Echemofana ward, late Mr Otubala Omachi member, representing O’ward, Hon. Dan Ugbama, member representing Wanikade ward, Hon. Cyprian Uneji, member representing Ijiraga Ward, Chief Hon. Mrs Theresa Ezama, member representing Yahe ward, Mr Johnson Ogiri, member representing Yache ward, Hon. Emma Lifu, member representing Ugaga ward and Chief Henry Onwe, Secretary/Member representing Mfuma/Ntrigom ward,” the organisation wrote.
The group stated that the zoning committee fashioned an equitable and acceptable zoning by splitting Yala into five blocs and that should be respected.
“The zoning formula adopted by the committee split Yala into five blocs as follows: North Ukelle – Wanihem, Wanikade, Wanokom and Igede wards. South Ukelle – Mfuma Ntrigom and Ijiraga wards. Western Yala – Yahe, Okpoma and O’wards. Eastern Yala – Echemofana, Okuku, Ugaga wards and Yache and Gabu wards
“In view of the fact that the entire Caucus in 2010 agreed that the position of Chairman of Yala should be held on a rotational basis among the five blocs and in lieu of the fact that the last Chairman of Yala from Ukelle extraction was from North Ukelle bloc, the group has zoned the Chairmanship position in the 2024 election to South Ukelle and therefore requests all political parties participating in the forthcoming local government election to ensure their candidates are picked from the two wards in South Ukelle,” the group concluded.
You can Download the Press Release Here.