By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Youth leaders in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State
The youth made their position known in a communique read by the youth leader, Mr Theodore’s William, after the youth leaders meeting in Eket on Wednesday.
They demanded that the senatorial seat be zoned to Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency for fairness, justice and equity.
William said although zoning arrangement is not codified in any law in existence in the state, but the sacred convention has saved the senatorial district from political tension.
He said that the new political dispensation demands Ikot Abasi to go for senate, stressing that all the three federal constituencies have taken their turns of eight years respectively.
“Historically, on the political arena, the Senate seat in this district has long taken a scared zoning pattern.
“The Senate seat had adopted a natural zoning pattern within these three federal constituencies.
“In 1979, Sen.Victor Akan of blessed memories represented the now Oron Federal Constituency at the Senate during the botched 3rd republic.
“In 1992, Sen. Etang Edet Umoyo now late represented Eket Senatorial District on the term of Eket federal constituency even though the third republic was short lived.
“At the birth of the fourth republic, the elders and leaders of Eket Senatorial District were committed and saw the need to sustain and promote the zoning pattern in the senatorial district.
“To that end, the slot for the Senate seat was zoned to Ikot Abasi federal constituency which prior to this time, had not had a shot and this led to the emergence of Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma.
“With commencement of the new chapter of zoning, the lot falls on the turn of Ikot Abasi federal constituency to started the second round,” William said.
He said as youth leaders and custodian of the conscience, safety, advancement and prosperity of the senatorial district, they will not sit-down, fold arms and watch people to throw the area into calamity.
He added that the youth leaders in Akwa Ibom South senatorial district would not recognize any aspirant outside Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency.
He said that the essence of zoning was to reduce the complaints of marginalisation by different ethnic groups.
