Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have passed a vote of no confidence on the incumbent Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Udeme Otong who represents Abak state constituency at the Assembly
They also rejected alleged plot by the Speaker to circumvent the zoning arrangement earlier agreed and endorsed by political leaders of the constituency in 2023 and perpetuate himself in office
Addressing a press conference in Abak Local Government Area on Tuesday, the spokesperson of the group,Hon Rock Dick, expressed disappointment with the Speaker whom he alleged signed the agreement and became the first beneficiary of the agreement
In a press conference text stated,” Where as democracy thrives on the principles of fairness, equity, justice, and respect for collective agreements freely entered into by stakeholders.
” And where as, in 2023, stakeholders of Abak, in recognition of the need to ensure justice, peace, and even development in the Abak State Constituency, held a crucial stakeholders’ meeting at the instance of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Moses Ekpo. At that meeting, political leaders and representatives from all wards unanimously agreed and endorsed a zoning formula designed to ensure balance, inclusion, and justice among the clans in Abak.
”And where as, the said agreement clearly stipulated that, following the tenure of Abak Clan, which is currently producing the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Udeme Otong, the next representative for the 2027 State Constituency election shall emerge from Midim Clan.
”Where as, all parties present, including the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (the first beneficiary of the zoning arrangement), appended their signatures to the agreement as a mark of commitment to uphold its sanctity.
”Having noticed with dismay the recent moves by a beneficiary of this collective mandate to seek a third term in office, in direct violation of the subsisting zoning agreement, thereby undermining the trust and unity of our people.
”The people of Abak have, in clear terms, passed a vote of no confidence on the incumbent House of Assembly member and Speaker.”
The stakeholders therefore rejected any attempt by group or individual to distort or disregard the zoning agreement , adding that the agreement remains sacrosanct representing the moral and political contract among the clans in Abak.
“We unequivocally reject any attempt, by any individual or group, to distort, truncate, or disregard the duly agreed zoning formula for Abak State Constituency.
”That the 2023 zoning agreement remains binding, valid, and sacrosanct, representing a moral and political contract among the clans of Abak, which must be respected in the interest of peace, unity, and justice.
”That equity demands that Midim Clan, which has not produced a State Assembly representative since 1999 despite comprising two wards, be given the opportunity to occupy the seat in 2027, rather than perpetuate a lopsided arrangement that has seen Abak Clan dominate the position for over sixteen years.’
Efforts to speak with the Speaker, Udeme Otong was not possible as at the time of filing this report as he was not picking his calls. However, his Press Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ebong, said the people have the right to say whatever they want to say because democracy confer the right on people to express their feelings and opinions.
He said however that the Speaker has done his best in terms of delivery of democratic dividends.
According to him, “They have the right to say whatever they want to say because we are in a democracy, but I know that the Speaker has done his best for the people, It’s only God that determines who becomes who in any society ”
Meanwhile , the stakeholders have reaffirmed their total support for the continuation in office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Pastor Umo Eno, citing their performances as reason for their actions