By CrossRiverWatch Admin
Aggrieved marginalized constituents in Awi Ward, Akamkpa 1 State Constituency, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, have written to the Governor of the State, Senator Bassey Otu over undue neglect and injustice.
The constituents in an open letter signed by their representative Mr. Ekib Edet Okpa, said the Ward has been treated as non member of Akamkpa 1 State Constituency.
They prayed the Governor as a crusader of the “People First” Governor to use his good office to create equality, equity, and fairness in his government as the local government elections process kicked off in gear.
The constituents appealed “We have no other recourse but this peaceful and respectful appeal, as Awi people are peace-loving citizens.”
The open letter reads in part below:
Open Letter to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu: Political Marginalization of Awi Ward in Akamkpa 1 State Constituency
Your Excellency,
Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu,
Executive Governor of Cross River State,
We are pleased to address this letter to Your Excellency and the esteemed stakeholders of Cross River State and Akamkpa Local Government Area. First and foremost, we commend your resilience and exemplary leadership over the past year. Your commitment to steering the affairs of Cross River State has not gone unnoticed, and we extend our sincere congratulations once again.
As the governor of our renowned state, we kindly implore your attention to our concern here, Your Excellency, Sir.
Akamkpa Local Government is divided into two constituencies: Akamkpa 1 State Constituency and Akamkpa 2 State Constituency. Akamkpa 1 consists of the following wards: Iko, Uyanga, Akamkpa Urban, Mbarakom, and Awi.
Over the years, every ward in Akamkpa 1 State Constituency, except Awi, has benefited from both elective positions and key appointments. Sadly, Awi Ward has been overlooked, and the facts speak for themselves. We have been marginalized politically, even in appointments.
While we understand that multiple factors influence the emergence of elected officials and political appointments, we firmly believe that it is time for Awi Ward to be given its due consideration. With utmost respect, we remind Your Excellency that Awi Ward showed unwavering support and loyalty during your campaign for governor. A vast majority of our people are ardent supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Yet, despite our dedication, we are disillusioned and demoralized by the agitation from other wards that have consistently held the position of Local Government Chairman. We feel shortchanged, and our contributions to your administration and the APC are underappreciated.
Aside from this, Your Excellency, you are a product of Zoning. Zoning, though not constitutionally enshrined, is a respected principle through a gentleman’s agreement. In the case of Akamkpa 1, we firmly believe it is Awi Ward’s turn to produce the next Local Government Chairman.
Let us examine political office holders from all the wards in Akamkpa 1:
✓IKO WARD
1. Rt. Hon. Matthew Olory – Local Government Chairman
2. Rt. Hon. Matthew Olory – Member, Cross River State House of Assembly
3. Chief. Eno Etan – Caretaker Committee Chairman
4. Hon. Usor Etan Obun – Leader of Council
✓ UYANGA WARD
1. Chief. Dr. Prince Orok Agbor – House of Representatives
2. Hon. Mrs. Angela Effiong (two terms) – Vice Chairman of Council
3. Hon. Mrs. Mary Ankpo Pius – Vice Chairman of Council
4. Late Barr. Patrick Abakum – Caretaker Committee Chairman
5. Hon. Patrick Iterim- member of Cross River State House of Assembly
✓ AKAMKPA URBAN
1. Ntufam. Francis Effiong (Efisco) – Chairman of Council (2 term)
2. Rt. Hon. Ntufam Daniel Asuquo – Chairman of Council
3. Late Hon. Alex Asikpo – Member, Cross River State House of Assembly
4. Hon. John Bassey – Leader of Council
5. Rt. Hon. Ntufam. Daniel Asuquo – Member, House of Representatives (3 terms)
6. Hon. Ntufam Okon Nyong Owuna – Member Cross River State House of Assembly.
✓ MBARAKOM WARD
1. Barr. Clement Itotup – Chairman of Council
2. Hon. Victor Okon – Cross River State House of Assembly
3. Barr. Joseph Asuquo Itotup – Chairman of Council
4. Rt. Hon. Itaya Asuquo Nyong – Member, Cross River State House of Assembly, and Deputy Speaker
5. Hon. Paulinus Onok Effa – Leader of Council.
✓ AWI WARD
Nil
Your Excellency, the marginalization of Awi Ward is evident. We ask that you kindly investigate and confirm the facts presented here, as “the King has many ears.”
In light of this, we humbly request that you address our concerns and restore balance in the distribution of elective positions. We urge you not to allow the influence of other wards in Akamkpa 1 to sideline the zoning arrangement, especially when it comes to the Chairmanship of Akamkpa Local Government. The people of Awi Ward have earned the right to their fair share of representation.
We trust in your capacity to address this injustice, and we are confident that you have the welfare of all Cross Riverians at heart. Let the benefits of your leadership reach every corner of the state, including Awi Ward.
Finally, we also appeal to Your Excellency to consider us in future state appointments. Other wards have already been well-represented in your administration, and we ask that Awi Ward not be left behind.
We have no other recourse but this peaceful and respectful appeal, as the Awi people are peace-loving citizens.
Sincerely,
Mr. Ekib Edet Okpa
For The People of Awi Ward, Akamkpa 1 State Constituency.