IWADU Backs Western Ibiono For LG Chairmanship

By Imó Etim

Ibiono Ibom Welfare and Development Union (IWADU), a foremost sociocultural group of the Ibiono Ibom people, have resolved to maintain the agelong political structure of the LGA in a bid promote political stability and fair distribution of power in the area.

The International President of IWADU, Prince Godwin Okon, while addressing a General Meeting held at the IWADU International Secretariat in Ikpa, Ibiono on Saturday, June 8, 2024 noted that it was necessary for Ibiono Ibom people to maintain the agelong political agreement to avert chaos and promote stability amongst the Ibiono Ibom people.

He noted that Ibibio Ibom was identified by 4 political nomenclature—Southern, Western, Northern, and Central Ibiono Ibom which had all in the past taken their turns as LG Chairmen and House of Assembly members, as such, it was time for Western Ibiono to take turn.

Prince Okon recounted that there have been two declarations reached to that effect; the ‘Ididep Declaration’ of 2016, and ‘Ikpa Resolution’ of 2020, adding that despite the slight changes in the past, it was necccesary for all concerns to be addressed and to respect the laid down zoning arrangement.

“What we have done today is just to reaffirm the declaration that was done in Ididep Declaration in 2016, and reaffirmed in 2020. We have not introduced anything new. All the 4 subdivisions have all taken turns and it is time for Western Ibiono to produce the next Chairman.”

The International President stressed that local government elections was a local affair, hence, required a homegrown person, a development enthusiast, and “local man” to take up to task of manning the affairs of Ibiono Ibom as the next Local Government Chairman.

“All we are saying is that, we need a local government chairman that is accessible, not just to IWADU but to the entire Ibiono Ibom people. One that is willing to pick up calls when he is called upon, one that would be ready to serve and respond to the Paramount Ruler’s calls and that of the forum of Family Heads.”

“This is local politics and we need a local man to handle this local office because local people are involved,” he submitted.

A motion was moved by Mr. Linus Udo Utuk from Ikot Ambang and was seconded by Comrade Etimbuk Akpan from Ikpanya supporting that the next Local Government Chairmanship be zoned to Western Ibiono ward 4, 5, and 6, stressing that the Ididep Declaration of 2016 as reaffirmed in 2020 be strongly adhered to for political stability.

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