By Emmanuel Abi Couson
Stakeholders in Ikpa Ibom Ward 2 of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, have voiced strong opposition to the alleged prolonged marginalization of the Ukam group of villages, insisting that the next Chairman for the local government must be from their ward.
At the just concluded Ukam Think Tank forum, key figures from the area decried the historical exclusion of Ikpa Ibom Ward 2 from various political, social, traditional, and economic opportunities stressing that since the creation of Mkpat Enin LGA in 1989, the ward has been conspicuously absent from major positions of power and influence.
According to a communique issued after the forum and, signed by prominent leaders including Bishop Victor Ufford, Engr. Samuel Rufus, and former Mkpat Enin LGA Vice Chairman Rt. Hon. Godwin Udofot and made available to Journalists in Uyo on Friday, they called for an end to the exclusion of Ikpa Ibom Ward 2.
The forum further highlighted the stark disparity in political appointments and elected positions, pointing out that out of numerous significantIkpa Ibom Ward 2 roles, only one personal assistant to the governor has hailed from Ikpa Ibom Ward 2.
The stakeholders argue that it is now Ikpa Ibom Ward 2’s turn to produce the next Chairman of Mkpat Enin LGA. They call for support from other wards within the Ikpa Ibom Clan and from other clans in Mkpat Enin to ensure fair representation.
The communique commended Governor Umo Bassey Eno for his development efforts in the state, including the appointment of Hon. Akanimo Bob Ikpe from Ikpa Ibom Ward 2 as Personal Assistant to the Governor. However, they emphasized that this is the first appointment of its kind for their ward since 1999, underscoring the depth of their marginalization.
The forum also made a passionate appeal for the equitable distribution of political, social, traditional, and economic opportunities within Mkpat Enin, beginning with the chairmanship of the local government.
They urged relevant stakeholders and the government to address and rectify the longstanding neglect of Ikpa Ibom Ward 2 in other to promote peace, equity, and justice in the region.
