Nkari Clan decries marginalization, insists on LG Chairmanship

Members of the Nkari Stakeholders’ Forum in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, has decried what they described as years of political marginalization, urging Governor Umo Eno to address the longstanding exclusion of Nkari clan from political offices and dividends of democratic governance.

At a recent press conference held in Ikot Ekpene, the forum officially endorsed and.presented Elder Sam Etim Sam for the Chairmanship position.

In his speech, the International President of the Forum, Elder Effiong Udoette, decried that “since 1999 till date, Nkari has not produced any elected political office holder, be it appointive or elective,” adding that “we have not also enjoyed dividends of democracy at all.”

“We’ve not been given any opportunity. We are asking the governor and others for the sake of equity and fair play, we should be given an opportunity to produce a Chairman for Ini Local Government Area,” he added.

Explaining that the forum’s choice of Elder Etim Sam Etim was borne out of the aspirant’s trackrecrod of excellence, loyalty and love for the Peoples Democratic Party, Nkari and Ini, Elder Udoette appealed to Governor Umo Eno, the PDP and the entire Ini people to grant their desire for the sake of fair play.

Secretary of the forum, Alphonsus Okon Esq. also appealed for support for their agitation, saying “we have been supporting other clans, now is the time to support us. We are from Ini LG, we are not aliens, we are bonafide people of Ini.”

Another member of the forum, Barr. Bassey Ekpo, emphasized Elder Etim’s acceptability across political divides, saying, “this is the first time in Ini LGA’s political history that people from other parties are supporting an individual.”

He also decried the state of his clan: “we are still in the stone age. Nkari lacks basic amenities like electricity, health centre, and access roads. The governor should use his good office to address this neglect. We won’t mismanage the chairmanship opportunity; we’ll use it for the betterment of Ini people. Our aspirant will trigger the development of the entire Ini Local Government Area.”

The stakeholders also presented an historical overview of political representation in the area.
“Hon. Emmanuel Ebe served as Executive Chairman, Ikono North 1, Ward 6 (1999-2002 and 2003-2006). Chief Ukata Akpan (late) represented Ini in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly from Itu Mbonuso Ward 3 (1999-2003 and 2003-2007). Obong Boniface Essien (late) was Chairman from Ikpe Ward 2 (2008-2011). Hon. Etteetim Anwantim served as Chairman from Iwerre Ward 5 (2012-2015). Obong Paul Owo from Ukwok, Ward 9, served in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly after being Chairman. Hon. Israel Idaisin served as Chairman from Ward 7 (2017-2020, 2020-2024).”

They further highlighted that Hon. Emmanuel Uma from Ikpe Ward 2 is currently the PDP Chapter Chairman, while Hon. Lawrence Udoide from Ukwok Ward 10 represents Ini in the House of Assembly, leaving Nkari with nothing.

In his response, the aspirant, Elder Etim Sam Etim, who is Managing Director of Esetic Group of Companies and a former Ward PDP Chairman, accepted his endorsement, promising to perform meritoriously if elected.

“I’ve been in active politics since 1998. I’ve employed many people, given scholarships, and empowered many. My capacity and pedigree in Akwa Ibom politics are well-known. I’ve coordinated campaigns for many governorship candidates in the state. I have the pedigree,” he added.

Highpoint of the event was the official presentation of the aspirant to the clan stakeholders amidst jubilation.

Attendees included Otuekong Effiong, Michael Udoette, Alphonsus Okon (Gen. Secretary), Hon. Clement Isong (Former Councilor), Hon. Benjamin Christopher Akpan, Rt. Hon. Effiong Mathew Ibanga, Den Uduak Okon Essien, Elder Okon Nkereuwem, Prophet Effiong Isieyen, Hon. Bernard, Hon. Ben Inyang, Mr. Friday Effiong Udo, Anthony Sunday Essien, among others.

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