Stakeholders and youths of Amayam clan in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area rising from an all inclusive meeting held at Ikot Udoe, have applauded Governor UMO ENO on his directive that zoning of elective political offices be maintained across the state in the forthcoming local government elections.

In their separate speeches and goodwill messages, they unanimously thanked God for granting the governor wisdom to make an unbiased decision on zoning.

They commended the governor’s unapologetic stance for justice and fairness which will eventually lead to peaceful, free and credible local government elections in September.

Speaking at the event, a former Supervisory Councillor for Health, Special Duties and Youth Development, Prince SAMUEL UKUT, praised God for coming through for Amayam people by guiding Governor UMO ENO to make such profound decision within record time.

Prince UKUT stressed that zoning has been an issue within the last three to four weeks, causing the Amayam people to agitate, consult and plead with the powers in the local government area to allow Amayam have its right of rotation after Ikot Ekpene Urban had taken nine years on the seat as Chairman.

Other who spoke were Obonganwan LUCY MONDAY UDO, a renowned woman leader from Ibong Ikot Akan Village and Hon. OWOIKANA ISAAC EKANEM, immediate Deputy Chief Whip of the Seventh Assembly of Ikot Ekpene Legislative Council.

They stressed that there will be no difficulty in choosing who to support for the Office of Executive Chairman of Ikot Ekpene as it is the turn of Amayam clan to produce the next one, and urged everyone to adhere strictly to the direction the governor has shown, in the interest of peace.

They also thanked the youths, women and all stakeholders of Amayam clan for their resolve, resilience and deep sense of purpose displayed in insisting that power must come to Amayam.

Highlight of the meeting was a resolution to identify a credible grassroots politician among the youths of Amayam, who has performed well in past assignments, to be endorsed for the chairmanship position.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor UMO ENO has clarified his stance on strict adherence to zoning for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and women inclusion in the upcoming local government council elections.

The Governor stressed that no one will be compensated for any unnecessary expenses incurred while defying the party’s position.

He made the clarification while speaking at the 70th birthday celebration of a foremost Oro political leader and women right advocate, Ikpoto Okon Osung in Uyo.

The Governor dismissed speculations that he will purchase forms for favoured candidates or prevent certain candidates from vying for offices in the elections.

According to him, such position is a misrepresentation, as he noted clearly that he will not purchase nomination forms for any candidate, but will support whoever the party’s internal arrangement favours.

On women inclusion, Governor ENO reaffirmed that women will be supported to produce six of the 31 Chairmen and some vice chairmen, establishing that no local government areas have been earmarked for women.