… accuses state of marginalisation
People of Nkari Clan in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State are not comfortable with what they say is the absence of government presence in their locality, and therefore demanded the chairmanship position in the forthcoming local government election.
Furthermore, they lamented the over 33 years of marginalisation, saying it was their turn for the chairmanship slot in the local government election to attract development to their area.
At a briefing in Uyo, the state capital, Otuekong Effiong Michael, the international president of Nkari Stakeholders Forum, represented by the Secretary General of the organization, Alphonsus Okon, said their people have suffered for many years without electricity and no access to good roads and other social amenities since the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
The Nkari people said that they have been politically marginalised and oppressed since the creation of Ini Local Government Area, emphasising that it is their turn to produce the next chairman of the local government if the zoning principle is to be maintained.
“It is our turn to produce the next Chairman of Ini Local Government Area by popular vote and support from people across all wards in Ini Local Government. Since 1999, Nkari has never produced the Chairman of Ini Local Government, a House of Assembly member, or a National Assembly member. We have not been considered for any elective position while other areas referred to as Ini proper have taken their turn. We have a capable candidate in Elder Etim Sam Etim,” they said.
The Secretary General, flanked by the elders of the clan, vowed to oppose any zoning or adoption of candidates that do not favour Nkari in accordance with the long-standing zoning principle in the area.
The people criticized the practice of political and social exclusion, asserting that it is unacceptable in this age of civilization and global freedom, accusing certain leaders of depriving the people of their rights and not being accepted by the community.
They therefore appealed to Governor Umo Eno, and the peace-loving people of Ini Local Government Area to maintain peaceful coexistence by upholding the zoning principles.
