2027: Akwa Ibom Speaker’s third term bid in dilemma as kinsmen pass vote of no confidence

The third term reelection ambition of Akwa Ibom State Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong may hit the rocks following the open rejection by his kinsmen in the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abak Local government.

Addressing a press conference in Abak Local government on Tuesday, Hon Rock Dick, who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders, accused the Speaker of attempt to circumvent the zoning arrangement earlier agreed and endorsed by political leaders of the constituency in 2023 and perpetuate himself in office

He alleged that the Speaker even signed the agreement and became the first beneficiary of the agreement and wondered why he feigned ignorance of such an agreement, saying such attempt undermined the trust and unity of the people.

He said, “The people of Abak have, in clear terms, passed a vote of no confidence in the incumbent House of Assembly member and Speaker.

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“We unequivocally reject any attempt, by any individual or group, to distort, truncate, or disregard the duly agreed zoning formula for Abak State Constituency.
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‎”That the 2023 zoning agreement remains binding, valid, and sacrosanct, representing a moral and political contract among the clans of Abak, which must be respected in the interest of peace, unity, and justice.
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‎”That equity demands that Midim Clan, which has not produced a State Assembly representative since 1999 despite comprising two wards, be given the opportunity to occupy the seat in 2027, rather than perpetuate a lopsided arrangement that has seen Abak Clan dominate the position for over sixteen years.”

However, efforts to speak with the Speaker proved abortive as at press time as he was not picking calls put across by journalists.

But, his Press Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ebong, said the people have the right to say whatever they want to say.

According to him, “They have the right to say whatever they want to say because we are in a democracy, but I know that the Speaker has done his best for the people. It’s only God that determines who becomes who in any society “