By Aniekan UDOH.
The Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Chapter, has reaffirmed the stakeholders’ position regarding the October local government elections in Akwa Ibom.
The body, which is the umbrella organization of all registered political parties in the country, plays a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s national polity by fostering dialogue, promoting cooperation, and driving progress across political divides.
In a meeting held on Tuesday, 9th July 2024, at their office at Ikot Oduot, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, the committee deliberated on critical issues affecting Ibesikpo Asutan and arrived at significant resolutions to ensure fairness and equity in political representation.
The committee, in a communiqué signed by all registered party chairmen and representatives present, commended Governor Umo Eno for his inclusive governance and notable projects in the area, including the newly inaugurated Primary Health Centre at Ikot Nkwo. They emphasized the need for political equity across the wards of Ibesikpo Asutan, recognizing the ten wards acknowledged by INEC and twelve by AKISIEC.
Reviewing the historical allocation of the Chairmanship position since the LGA’s creation, the IPAC noted that the Ibesikpo bloc has had the chairmanship three times, while the Asutan bloc has had it four times. Given this pattern, they stressed the importance of rotating the position to Ibesikpo Ward 5, which has yet to hold the office.
The committee also upheld the pre-existing agreement that Ibesikpo Ward 4 will secure the next House of Assembly seat once the current tenure from the Asutan bloc concludes. They highlighted the urgency of allocating the Chairmanship to Ibesikpo Ward 5 in the forthcoming 2024 local government elections to prevent a 72-year wait for their next turn.
IPAC strongly advised all political parties to avoid any form of candidate imposition and to ensure that the Chairmanship is fairly zoned to Ibesikpo Ward 5. They warned against actions that might undermine the community’s unity and emphasized that political offices should reflect the will of the people.
The meeting concluded with a call for all parties to adhere to the principles of justice, fairness, and equity in the distribution of political offices within Ibesikpo Asutan LGA.
