The people of Awi Ward in Akamkpa 1 State Constituency have written Governor Bassey Otu an open letter over the marginalisation of the zone ahead of the 2024 Cross River State local government election.
According to the letter signed by Mr Ekib Edet Okpa, and made available to CONVERSEER on Monday, the people said out of the five wards in the constituency, Awi ward is yet to benefit from any political position since Nigeria gained independence to date.
Read the full open letter below:
Open Letter to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu: Political Marginalisation of Awi Ward in Akamkpa 1 State Constituency
Your Excellency,
Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu,
Executive Governor of Cross River State,
We are pleased to address this letter to Your Excellency and the esteemed stakeholders of Cross River State and Akamkpa Local Government Area. First and foremost, we commend your resilience and exemplary leadership over the past year. Your commitment to steering the affairs of Cross River State has not gone unnoticed, and we extend our sincere congratulations once again.
As the governor of our renowned state, we kindly implore your attention to our concern here, Your Excellency, Sir.
Akamkpa Local Government is divided into two constituencies: Akamkpa 1 State Constituency and Akamkpa 2 State Constituency.
Akamkpa 1 consists of the following wards: Iko, Uyanga, Akamkpa Urban, Mbarakom, and Awi.
Over the years, every ward in Akamkpa 1 State Constituency, except Awi, has benefited from both elective positions and key appointments. Sadly, Awi Ward has been overlooked, and the facts speak for themselves. We have been marginalised politically, even in appointments.
While we understand that multiple factors influence the emergence of elected officials and political appointments, we firmly believe that it is time for Awi Ward to be given due consideration. With utmost respect, we remind Your Excellency that Awi Ward showed unwavering support and loyalty during your campaign for governor. A vast majority of our people are ardent supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Yet, despite our dedication, we are disillusioned and demoralised by the agitation from other wards that have consistently held the position of Local Government Chairman. We feel shortchanged, and our contributions to your administration and the APC are underappreciated.
Aside from this, Your Excellency, you are a product of Zoning. Zoning, though not constitutionally enshrined, is a respected principle through a gentleman’s agreement. In the case of Akamkpa 1, we firmly believe it is Awi Ward’s turn to produce the next Local Government Chairman.
Let us examine political office holders from all the wards in Akamkpa 1:
IKO WARD
1. Rt. Hon. Matthew Olory – Local Government Chairman
2. Rt. Hon. Matthew Olory – Member, Cross River State House of Assembly
3. Chief. Eno Etan – Caretaker Committee Chairman
4. Hon. Usor Etan Obun – Leader of Council
UYANGA WARD
1. Chief. Dr. Prince Orok Agbor – House of Representatives
2. Hon. (Mrs) Angela Effiong (two terms) – Vice Chairman of Council
3. Hon. Mrs Mary Ankpo Pius – Vice Chairman of Council
4. Late Barr. Patrick Abakum – Caretaker Committee Chairman
5. Hon. Patrick Iterim – Member, Cross River State House of Assembly
AKAMKPA URBAN
1. Ntufam. Francis Effiong (Efisco) – Chairman of Council (2 term)
2. Rt. Hon. Ntufam Daniel Asuquo – Chairman of Council
3. Late Hon. Alex Asikpo – Member, Cross River State House of Assembly
4. Hon. John Bassey – Leader of Council
5. Rt. Hon. Ntufam. Daniel Asuquo – Member, House of Representative (3 terms)
6. Hon. Ntufam Okon Nyong Owuna – Member, Cross River State House of Assembly
MBARAKOM WARD
1. Barr. Clement Itotup – Chairman of Council
2. Hon. Victor Okon – Cross River State House of Assembly
3. Barr. Joseph Asuquo Itotup – Chairman of Council
4. Rt. Hon. Itaya Asuquo Nyong – Member, Cross River State House of Assembly, and Deputy Speaker
5. Hon. Paulinus Onok Effa – Leader of Council
AWI WARD
Nil
Your Excellency, the marginalisation of Awi Ward is evident. We ask that you kindly investigate and confirm the facts presented here, as “the King has many ears.”
In light of this, we humbly request that you address our concerns and restore balance in the distribution of elective positions. We urge you not to allow the influence of other wards in Akamkpa 1 to sideline the zoning arrangement, especially when it comes to the Chairmanship of Akamkpa Local Government. The people of Awi Ward have earned the right to their fair share of representation.
We trust in your capacity to address this injustice, and we are confident that you have the welfare of all Cross Riverians at heart. Let the benefits of your leadership reach every corner of the state, including Awi Ward.
Finally, we also appeal to Your Excellency to consider us in future state appointments. Other wards have already been well-represented in your administration, and we ask that Awi Ward not be left behind.
We have no other recourse but this peaceful and respectful appeal, as Awi people are peace-loving citizens.
Sincerely,
Mr Ekib Edet Okpa
For The People of Awi Ward, Akamkpa 1 State Constituency.
