December 12, (THEWILL) – A chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. James Iniama has said that the decision of his party is paramount on the method of primaries to be adopted to produce the party’s candidates for general elections ahead of 2023.
He warned members against negative comments on the matter pending when the leadership would give final verdict to be abided by its supporters.
“The decision of the party leadership is paramount, followers cannot start commenting on issues of the party that are yet to be given final verdict by party leadership.” He stated.
On issue of micro zoning, Iniama who spoke to newsmen in Uyo at the weekend, said though the Governorship seat of the state in 2023 has been zoned to Uyo Senatorial District; the particular federal Constituency would be adopted the opinion of the majority when it comes to the front burner for discussion in the party.
Iniama expressed the hope that Akwa Ibom people being lovers of peace, equity, fairness and truth know that the truth before the state presently is that political leadership of the state is done through zoning which has been respected over time.
Mr. James Iniama’s opinion is coming just one week after another chieftain, Senator Anietie Okon had insisted that the position should be zoned specifically to Itu Federal Constituency, which is made up of Itu and Ibiono Ibom Local Government Areas.
Sen. Okon who is the pioneer National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party reasoned that; since the two other federal consituencies, Uyo and Etinan have produced persons each for the position, it would only be fair and just for the party to zone the governorship to Itu federal conosituency.
He maintained that he strongly believe that all state actors would support their agitation for next governorship slot given the role the constituency played in the emergence of their sons.
His words, “All we are saying is that the 2023 governorship should be zoned to Itu federal constituency, because looking at it, otherwise I’ll have say ál federal constituencies in Uyo Senatorial district have had their turn. And we do not lack people of capacity from Itu federal constituency.
“I believe in zoning of the position because the zoning principle has been what laid the foundation of political stability and sense of inclusion in Akwa Ibom state. I am saying that under Uyo Senatorial district, this is the only federal consituency that has not produced a governor.
“ There was Late Akpan Isemin from Etinan Federal consituency, then came Victor Attah from Uyo federal consituency. Now after Victor Attah it will be only proper that Itu federal consituency should produce a governor, for equity, justice and fairness. The is the message the
“We know that the people of Uyo Senatorial district are decent and think clear.uly, and in any case Itu federal consituency has men with the capacity to lead the state to better times. We don’t want to be involved in whatever argument anybody is putting up”
The Estate Surveyor and Valuer, who is also a Governorship aspirant in the 2023 election in the state, maintained that though Itu Federal Constituency has ably qualified persons that can complete favourably with others “We would ask and insist that the zoning will come to Itu Federal Constituency because we belong to Uyo Senatorial District and our other Federal Constituencies have had a chance at the exulted office but we haven’t.
“I believe that when the time for settlement comes our leaders will sit together and agree that Itu Federal Constituency be given a chance to produce a governor for the state.
Collaborating, a political leader in Oron Federal Constituency, Arch. Okon Nse Abasi, said that the Oro people of Eket Senatorial District are in solidarity with the Itu Federal Constituency saying such gesture would assure them of a chance in 2031 when another turn comes for Eket Senatorial District.
He however urge aspirants from Itu Federal you my h Constituency to come together for an internal convention and decide to front an individual to demonstrate their love, togetherness and unity of purpose.
“Let the micro zoning begin with them, others must see that they love themselves and have unity of purpose. They have a home work to do. Let all of them show to us that they are more intelligent than us, avail themselves to the public under the terms and conditions of the law. When they meet, anyone of them that is better than the rest should be projected. Yes, show us the team, show us the man you want for the work.
“Such a person must be able to convince his competetors that from his Federal Constituency that he is competent and Akwa Ibom people will see that Itu and Ibiono Ibom people are ready and humble for the job. In that case, anybody that emerges will win.”
He expressed appreciation at the achievements of the present administration but days it could be better within the next four years.
