2015 A’Ibom Guber Poll: Uyo Monarch Insists on Zoning

As the debate on the zoning of the 2015 gubernatorial seat in Akwa Ibom rages on, Edidem Edem Silas Akpan, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo has called for zoning to be respected by all.
He position is in sharp contrast to that of some elders from Uyo Senatorial District, the district that has produced three of the state’s four indigenous governors, who have been kicking against zoning the governorship seat to Eket Senatorial District, the only district that has not occupied the seat since the creation of the state 24 years ago.
In an address read at his fourth coronation anniversary celebration on Saturday before a cross-section of the political class in the state, including representatives of the state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, the deputy governor, Mr. Nsima Ekere and the secretary to the State Government, Obong Umana O. Umana, Edidem Akpan advised that zoning should be strictly adhered to in the collective interest of all.
His words: “At this juncture, may I pause and appeal to the political class to see politics as a game which must be played with decency and decorum. The zoning principle which had earlier been adopted by the political class and approved by the traditional class which makes the game of politics less cumbersome, stress-free, devoid of rancour and less expensive should be
adhered to strictly in the collective interest of all.”
The monarch advised that “those seeking political offices and positions should be men and women of integrity, men of good character, compassion, competence and commitment, capable and willing to see political office as a call to community service and not an avenue for self-enrichment and aggrandizement.”
He called on the people of Uyo, nay Akwa Ibom State, to be prepared to generate changes towards the pattern of society that allows for the realization of human values and greater control by society over its environment and political destiny; and also enable individuals to gain increased control over themselves.
Edidem Akpan said the Uyo Traditional Council, under his leadership, has discovered new frontiers, charted new vision/protocol and was now moving from strength to strength with unshakable commitment and dedication to ensure that Uyo people, including non-indigenes, were protected, united and enhanced to develop their God-given potentialities in all spheres of life.
He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing an indigene of Uyo, Prof. Comfort Ekpo, as the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo and expressed happiness with the appointment of another indigene, Prof. Tony Akpan, as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of the university.
He also thanked Governor Godswill Akpabio for his tremendous achievements in the development of the state with particular reference to Uyo, the state capital. At the ceremony, the governor, who was represented by the state commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Paul Ekpo, was conferred by the monarch with the traditional title of Uwana Uyo while his deputy, Mr. Nsima Ekere, represented by the political leader of Uruan Local Government Area, Obong Ekpe Atakpo, received the title of Emem Uyo. Eighteen other personalities bagged traditional titles while 10 others received awards of excellence.