By Tunji Wusu –
As aspirants begin jostling for chairmanship and councilorship positions ahead of the upcoming Local Government elections in Akwa Ibom State scheduled for December, Governor Umo Eno has warned those intensifying consultations to exercise restraint and avoid what he described as wasteful and frivolous spendings while the whistle for the polls has yet to be blown.
He said it was unfortunate that such campaigns and consultations were raised to the front burner at a time when the state was busy attempting to stabilize with the new administration in place struggling to establish the correct footing for a successful take-off after the general elections.
Addressing the local government chairmen following a dedication ceremony for Abasiakara and Abasiofon, twin children of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ekopimo Polycarp, at the Eseme Essien Events Centre, Osongama Estate, Uyo, the state capital, Eno stressed that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would select candidates in accordance with the existing zoning arrangement.
Eno stated that he was aware of the activities of some chairmanship and councilorship aspirants and stakeholders in some local government areas who have begun spending their hard-earned money on consultations for the positions even though the state electoral umpire has yet to clarify on such issues, and he warned such power-seeking individuals to put their intentions on hold until an order on such political venture is given.
As a result, he urged individuals he referred to as political jobbers not to anticipate any type of remuneration, stating that the state or the party would not reimburse any individual or organization engaged in frivolous activities in the guise of consultations for the time being.
“Let me also inform you that some people have begun consultations for Chairmanship and Councilorship positions; please do not waste your money,” he stated. I shall not compensate anyone or any organization for consulting for such posts in local government.
“Please do not send me to squander your money on consultations. Wait till the Local Government elections are called. We are doing everything we can to ensure that the government takes shape.
Please keep in mind that if zoning does not favor you, you need not be concerned since no amount of pressure will persuade me to go against the party’s zoning arrangements.”
Eno, who also emphasized the need of maintaining peace in the Councils, urged the Local Government Chairmen to uphold their obligations.
He remarked that the mapping law has caused many squabbles in some areas and utilized the occasion to exhort the public to exercise caution because the mapping matter is ongoing in a court of competent jurisdiction and will be decided shortly.
He cautioned that local government locations where security is determined to have been penetrated would face the full force of the law, urging Council Chairmen to be vigilant by putting measures in place to prevent such breaches, and announcing his intention to meet with Council Chairmen across the state.
