Akamkpa indigenes decry ploy to impose unmasked aspirant from Iko Ward as Chairman

Concerned citizens and indigenes of Akamkpa Local Government have written Governor Bassey Otu on an alleged ploy by some stakeholders to impose and unmasked aspirant as the Chairman of the Council ahead of the 2024 Cross River State Local Government Election.

According to the letter signed by Mr Ekam Ntem, for the Concerned Citizens of Akamkpa, on Monday and made available to CONVERSEER (https://converseer.com), Awi Ward deserved the Council seat since it has never tasted it before.

They the ward has been marginalised enough to be left out of the lips and heart of people for the November election. Read the full letter below:

TRANSACTIONAL POLITICS IN AKAMKPA APC AND THE ALLEGED SURREPTITIOUS PLOY TO IMPOSE AN UNMASK ASPIRANT FROM IKO WARD AS CHAIRPERSON/CHAIRMAN OF AKAMKPA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: A PASSIONATE APPEAL FOR HELP!

His Excellency,
Ntufam Prince Bassey Edet Otu,
Governor of Cross River State,
Governor’s Office,
Calabar, Cross River State.

Date: 14th October 2024

Your Excellency, sir

We, the undersigned concerned citizens and indigenes of Akamkpa Local Government, formally appeal to you to abort and avert the planned alteration of the political zoning arrangement in Akamkpa Local Government Area, specifically concerning the zoning of the chairmanship position and the alleged imposition of a woman from Iko Ward in what we believe to be a grave compromise of fairness, justice, and equity. This action is capable of imploding our esteemed Party and repeating the dark political history of Akamkpa. This action, which is said to involve the sum of 50 million Naira in an alleged deal orchestrated by the enemies of zoning, fairness equity, and good conscience, is deeply disturbing and concerning to ALL men of good conscience.

Background and Historical Context of Zoning in Akamkpa

Akamkpa Local Government Area, since its creation in 1976, has witnessed significant political and administrative changes, but one issue has remained glaring: the marginalisation of Awi Ward in leadership positions, particularly the chairmanship of the local government. The essence of political zoning, especially in a diverse and multi-ethnic society such as Akamkpa, is to promote fairness, balance, and inclusivity, ensuring that no community or ward is sidelined in the allocation of leadership roles. Zoning is not just a political strategy—it is a tool for social justice.

However, it is disheartening to note that AWI Ward has not had the opportunity to produce the Local Government Chairman in its 50 years of existence. This stands in stark contrast to other wards in Akamkpa who have been repeatedly represented at various levels of government – Federal, State, and Local. The repeated exclusion of AWI Ward in this regard is a clear violation of the principles of equity and fairness that should guide the governance of Akamkpa.

The zoning arrangement of Akamkpa Local Government is designed to rotate leadership between Constituency 1 and Constituency 2, with the last tenure having been completed by Constituency 2. It is now the turn of Constituency 1, which comprises the wards of Akamkpa Urban, AWI, Mbarakom, Iko, and Uyanga. Given the historical political imbalances, it is only just that the chairmanship should rotate to AWI Ward, the most marginalised ward, and allow its people the opportunity to participate fully in governance.

Historical Analysis of Political Office Holders on Elective and Appointive Positions in Akamkpa LGA

• Year of creation – 1976
• State constituencies – Two (2)
• Number of WARDS – Ten (10)

Wards in Akamkpa State Constituency 1

1. AWI
2. AKAMKPA URBAN
3. MBARAKOM
4. UYANGA
5. IKO

Wards in Akamkpa State Constituency 2

6. OJUK SOUTH
7. OJUK NORTH
8. OBAN
9. EKU
10. IKPAI

Former Chairmen/Vice-Chairmen of Akamkpa LG State Constituency 1:

AKAMKPA URBAN
1. Ntufam Francis Effiong (Elected)
2. Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo (Elected)

MBARAKOM WARD
1. Ntufam Francis Effiong (Elected)
2. Mokafa Clement Itotup (Elected)
3. Barr. Joseph Itotup (Elected)
4. Late Mr Luke Itankan, Vice Chairman (Elected)

UYANGA WARD
1. Late Barr. Patrick Abakum
(Chairman Caretaker)
2. Mrs Angela Effiong, Vice Chairman (Elected)
3. Mrs Angela Effiong, Vice Chairman (Elected)
4. Mrs Mary Ankpor Pius, Vice Chairman (Elected)

IKO WARD
1. Elder Arong Ankpor, Vice Chairman (Elected)
2. Mr Eno Etan, Chairman (Caretaker)
3. Rt. Hon. Matthew Olory, Chairman (Elected)

AWI WARD
Nothing

Former Chairmen/Vice-Chairmen of Akamkpa LG Council in Constituency 2.

OBAN WARD
1. Late Ntufam Effiong Offiong (Elected)
2. Hon. Polycarp Effiom (Elected)
3. Hon. Linus Bassey Etim (Elected)

OJUK NORTH
1. Ntunkae Grace Eyo Ita (Caretaker)

OJUK SOUTH
1. Mrs Cecilia Paulinus Asim, Vice Chairman (Elected)

IKPAI WARD
1. Hon. Denise Nkiri (Elected)

EKU WARD
1. Ntufam Innocent Ntuyang, Chairman (Caretaker)

Above is the fact of the history of marginalisation of Awi Ward in AKAMKPA I, where the chairmanship position is zoned to. Again, even for other elective offices like the House of Assembly and appointive positions, Awi Ward still weeps while the other 4 wards of Akamkpa Urban, Uyanga, Mbarakom and Iko have fared better in all ramifications. The records are there to show. The case of Awi Ward is really pathetic, and we need help.

The Alleged 50 Million Naira Transaction.

It has come to our attention that a move is underway to alter this long-established zoning agreement, with a plan to install a woman from Iko Ward in exchange for an alleged sum of 50 million Naira This transaction, if true, is not only an affront to the principles of justice and equity but also a blatant attempt to perpetuate political and social inequities in Akamkpa.

The people of AWI Ward, who have suffered decades of political neglect, will not sit idly by while political leaders from outside their community make decisions that continue to marginalise them. We believe this arrangement—if allowed to proceed—will undermine the trust of the people in the democratic process and further entrench a culture of political manipulation and exclusion.

Call for Action

We respectfully urge you, His Excellency, to intervene and prevent this unlawful alteration of zoning in Akamkpa. The people of AWI Ward have waited far too long for an opportunity to take their rightful place in the political leadership of Akamkpa. Denying them this chance—particularly through the actions described above—would be a grave injustice that threatens the very fabric of our democratic values.

AWI Ward has long been marginalised, and its people have suffered the consequences of this exclusion. It is now time for corrective action to be taken. We call on you to ensure that:

1. The zoning of the Chairmanship position in Akamkpa Local Government Area is upheld as originally intended, with the next chairmanship term going to Constituency 1, which includes AWI Ward.

2. The political process in Akamkpa remains transparent, fair, and free from corrupt practices, including the alleged 50 million Naira transaction.

3. All efforts to impose leadership from outside AWI Ward be stopped and that any individual or group attempting to manipulate the political system for personal or partisan gain be held accountable.

Conclusion

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The continued marginalization of AWI Ward is not only a denial of their rights but a threat to the unity and progress of Akamkpa as a whole. As the governor of our great state, we implore you to act in the best interest of all the people of Akamkpa and, by extension, the state of Cross River. Allow AWI Ward to finally take its rightful place in the leadership of Akamkpa and restore fairness and equity to our political system.

We trust that Your Excellency will give this matter the urgent and serious attention it deserves.

Sincerely,
Mr Ekam Ntem
for: The Concerned Citizens of Akamkpa.

This petition is presented as a united voice of those who seek justice, fairness, and equity in Akamkpa Local Government and the broader Cross River State political landscape.