Akwa Ibom ex deputy governor Mr. Ekpo warns speaker Otong: Honour zoning agreement or risk crisis in Abak.

By Our Reporter

Political tension is steadily mounting in Abak Local Government Area following a strong warning issued by the immediate past Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pa Moses Ekpo, to the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, over an alleged breach of a zoning agreement.

Pa Ekpo delivered the warning on Sunday, December 28, at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah. The meeting brought together prominent political leaders and stakeholders from across Abak LGA.

Addressing the gathering, the former Deputy Governor reminded the Speaker that he personally signed a zoning pact in his office while seeking a second term in the State House of Assembly. According to Ekpo, the agreement clearly stipulated that after the completion of the Speaker’s second term, the House of Assembly seat would rotate to Midim Clan.

Ekpo stated unequivocally that any attempt to seek a third term would amount to a violation of the agreement freely entered into by the Speaker. He insisted that the pact must be respected to preserve political balance and trust within the local government.

“While I am still alive, we will not allow the zoning agreement you signed to be undermined. You agreed to complete your second term, after which the seat would be zoned to Midim Clan. Anything contrary to that is unacceptable,” Ekpo declared.

He further cautioned political actors against allowing personal ambition to sow division or unrest in Abak, stressing that zoning was adopted as a tool for fairness, equity, and peaceful coexistence among the various clans.

Pa Ekpo emphasized that zoning arrangements are meant to prevent marginalization and ensure inclusiveness, urging all stakeholders to honour agreements reached in good faith for the sake of unity and stability in the area.

The stakeholders’ meeting, he noted, served as an avenue for open discussions on Abak’s political future, with overwhelming calls for strict adherence to existing zoning agreements and the maintenance of peace as political activities intensify.