The Urue Offong/Oruko Youth Democratic Vanguard has addressed the issue of zoning the chairmanship position in the upcoming local government elections in Urue Offong/Oruko LGA, calling for the consideration of Ward 6 for the position.
The group led by Comrade Alyn Anwana, Mr. Henshaw Asuama, and Comrade Iniekung Uweh, expressed concern over the longstanding marginalization of Ward 6 in the Oruko Development Area.
“Since the creation of Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area on September 23, 1991, Ward 6 has not produced any chairman of council, member of the house of assembly or even a vice chairman of council,” the statement read.
The group argued that the principle of zoning, which has been the tradition in the local government area, should be respected to ensure fairness and equity.
Barr. Kingsley Okon Akaiso, the Convener of the Vanguard said, “The concept of marginalization, as described by scholars like Iris Marion Young in her book ‘Justice and the Politics of Difference,’ emphasizes the need to address the systemic inequalities that exclude certain groups from political representation and leadership.”
The Vanguard further appealed to the state governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, to ensure that the political class and stakeholders in Urue Offong/Oruko follow his exemplary footsteps in adhering to the principle of macro and micro zoning.
“We trust that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of our Akwa Ibom State and his amiable deputy will give this appeal the utmost consideration it deserves and take the necessary steps to address the grievances of Ward 6 by ensuring that the Executive chairmanship position is micro – zoned to ward 6 in line with his Excellency’s desire to ensure that fairness is enthroned in our local politics,” the statement said.
The group also expressed concern over attempts by some politicians to introduce clan-based politics in the local government area, which they described as “a smear campaign aimed at scuttling the zoning arrangement.”
Comrade Alyn Anwana said, “From time immemorial, as it is applicable in other parts of the state, Urue Offong/Oruko has never practised politics based on Clan delineation, rather political offices are shared between the two development areas of Oruko and Urue Offong and all the wards have benefited except ward 6.”
The Vanguard called on the state government and the political parties to uphold the principles of fairness and equity in the upcoming local government elections, ensuring that Ward 6 in the Oruko Development Area is given the opportunity to produce the next Executive Chairman of Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area.
