THE CHAIRMANSHIP ZONING ARRANGEMENT MUST BE RESPECTED - Udung Uko LGA Traditional Fathers

By Joshua Osung

The Council of Udung Uko Traditional Rulers led by the Paramount ruler of Udung Uko Local Government Area, His Royal majesty Chief Bassey Etim Edet have called on the entire populace of the local government area to rally their supports round Hon. Okon Esin Oku, the chairmanship flag bear of the People's Democratic Party in the forthcoming local government election in Akwa Ibom State.

They stated this at the palace of the Paramount Ruler in Eyosung during an informative meeting organized by the campaign committee of the party to the royal fathers.

Speaking during the visit, the chairman of the committee, Hon. Okokon Ekpe(world bank) informed the royal fathers that the People's Democratic Party were about kicking off it's ward tour in preparation for the December 2nd election. He asked for the permission and blessings of the traditional leaders for the tour to be successful.

Also speaking, the chairmanship flag bearer of the party Hon Elder Okon Esin Oku intimated the traditional council of PDP's high regard for tradition and respect for royal fathers hence, their visit. He made it known that the welfare of the council of traditional rulers in Udung Uko LGA are well included in the plans of the incoming government.

In response, the village head of Eyibia in Edikor group of villages, Chief Otoboso, thanked God for making it possible that an Edikor man for the first time in the history of Udung Uko LGA has been given the chairmanship ticket. He thanked the PDP and also blessed the campaign team particularly its chairmanship flag bearer.

In his response, the village head of Ukukim, Chief Basil Abia stated categorically clear that the entire Ukukim people are going the stand by Hon. Okon Esin Oku who happens to be favoured by zoning. He made it clear that the zoning arrangement which has bonded Udung Uko LGA cannot be toyed with. He went as far as invoking divine punishment on anyone who tries to break the already written communal agreement which over the years has brought peace, harmony and love among the different communities which constitute the Local government area.

- Recall that the chairmanship candidate of the All progressives congress (APC), Comrade Iniobong Edmund is from Ukukim.

Responding also, the village head of Uboro, Offong Effiong Nuwak stated unequivocally that any body who tries to deviate from the laid down communal agreement on the chairmanship seat which right now favours Edikor community is like a featherless bird who'll end up crash landing. He gave the campaign team full approval and permission to carryout their campaign in any ward of the Local government area.

At the instance of the Paramount ruler, Chief Akuwo Ebung who is the village head of Eyokponung community noted in strict terms that it is impossible for somebody to sit wherever and feels he can change tradition. He explained that the chairmanship zoning has become a tradition in Udung Uko Local government area, and anyone who tries to temper with it is worth being disowned and excommunicated. He therefore made a promise that the entire people of Eyokponung will vote for PDP and Hon. Oku come December 2nd.

At the gathering, royal fathers from other communities such as Eyonsek, Ekim, Eyosung, Eyotai, Eniongo, Usung and so on all spoke in consonance with the zoning on ground. They declared their total and unwavering support for Hon. Okon Esin Oku and the PDP.

In his own response, the Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko LGA, His Royal majesty Chief Bassey Etim Edet intimated the gathering that support does not only end at oral declaration, he posited that Hon. Oku must he supported in finances, materially and in all ramifications.

He ceased the opportunity to send a strong warning to any community or individual in Udung Uko who are willing to disrupt the zoning arrangement of the local government, stating that he is not going to take it kindly when dealing with such fellow.

He reaffirmed that the chairmanship zoning arrangement favours Edikor and every son and daughter of Udung Uko LGA must stick to that for continued love and peaceful coexistence.

High point of the gathering included prayers of blessings and support offered by the traditional fathers on Hon. Okon Esin Oku.

Below are some pictures taken during the visit.

God Bless Udung Uko!