2027: Yakurr Ward Leaders, Women, Youths Declare – “No Vacancy in Central Senatorial Seat”

By Judex Okoro

As momentum builds ahead of the 2027 general elections, ward leaders, youths, and women from all 13 council wards in Yakurr Constituency I and II have unanimously endorsed Senator Eteng Jonah Williams for a second term in the National Assembly.

The resounding endorsement came during a high-level stakeholders’ breakfast meeting held on Sunday at Mkpani, hosted by the Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District. The meeting drew political heavyweights, including Members of the State House of Assembly for Yakurr I and II—Hon. Cyril Omin and Hon. Mercy Akpama, respectively—Council Chairman Hon. Yibala Inyang, councillors, state and local government appointees, the APC State Treasurer, chapter chairman, all 13 ward executives, and other top party leaders such as Chief Johnson Ugbor.

Declaring the meeting open, Chief Johnson Ugbor said politics is not about insults or noise-making, but about the value one brings to their people. He described Senator Eteng as a man of impact who has already attracted meaningful projects to Yakurr and emphasized that now is the time to support and pray for leaders so that others would one day enjoy similar support.

In his remarks, Hon. Yibala Inyang, the Yakurr Council Chairman, dismissed the political distractions being stirred as premature and unproductive. He stressed that Senator Eteng has not even completed two years in office, yet some people are already stirring trouble. According to him, governance should come before politics, and the Governor has neither declared campaigns open nor endorsed any aspirant. Therefore, he urged the people to stay focused on development.

The formal motion endorsing Senator Williams for a second term was moved by Hon. Mercy Akpama and seconded by Hon. Cyril Omin. Akpama emphasized the unity and resolve of the five wards in Yakurr II to support their son. She pointed out that Ikom supported their son for 12 years, and there is no reason Yakurr should not do the same for Senator Eteng. She described this as Yakurr’s moment in the Central Senatorial District and insisted it must not be wasted.

Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Eton Eyong from Idomi Ward pledged unwavering support, saying that even if the Senator contests for a third term, Idomi will still stand with him. Chief Ebali Brown from Ijiman Ward likened politics to food, noting that the noise being made is because the tree is bearing fruit. He encouraged the Senator to continue his empowerment programs and to work closely with politically influential figures in the communities.

Hon. Adolphius from Bikobiko Ward noted that the person causing tension is from his ward but does not represent the majority, adding that the grassroots are fully with the Senator and ready to deliver. Engr. Matthew Bassey from Ijom Ward affirmed that the Senator had won all elections in Ijom and would continue to receive their support. He said they were not moved by outside noise—Ijom stands firm.

Mr. Cyril Itam from Ikpakapi Ward, a former SUBEB secretary, expressed concern over neglect in appointments and infrastructural development, appealing to the Senator to intervene. Chief Otabe Leko, the State NULGE Chairman from Nko Ward, lauded the meeting as a show of inclusion and called for recognition of loyal supporters.

Hon. John Bassey from Ajere Ward said his ward was content with producing the current Council Chairman, but appealed to the Senator to help build and strengthen educational infrastructure. Hansome Offem Ubi from Ekori Ward said politics is about results, not sentiments, and although the Senator did not win Ekori, he garnered considerable votes. He urged the Senator to remain focused and work with those who delivered at the grassroots.

Mr. Nnanna Abam from Epenti Ward declared that they command over 80% of the votes and promised 100% support in 2027 if the Senator helps with road infrastructure. Elder Willy Akpama from Nkpolo Ward stated that they are APC loyalists who appreciate all the Senator has done and are preparing for 2027. Tony Ekereke from Iyima Ward lamented that their ward lacked adequate representation and appealed for staff in their schools and a stronger voice in government.

Retired principal Mark Osogi from Assiga Ward thanked the Senator for engaging the people and said APC remains solid in Assiga. He, however, requested help with the Ekori–Assiga road. Okoi Abam from Mkpani-Agoi Ward praised the Senator for convening such a historic gathering, the first of its kind in 32 years. He emphasized that a Yakurr son should not be dropped after one term, pointing out that Old Ikom held the position for over 24 years before it moved to Old Obubra. He stressed that it is now Yakurr’s turn and must be defended.

Commending the initiative, the chairman of ward chairmen in Yakurr APC, John Ikpi Okon, appreciated Senator Williams for uniting stakeholders and encouraged him to hold more such meetings. He affirmed that all the ward chairmen had unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Senator’s 2027 bid.

Speaking on behalf of women in Constituencies I and II, Ms. Rita Ogar Oden expressed pride in the Senator’s performance and pledged the women’s full mobilization when the time comes. She warned against politics of bitterness and division and noted that the women’s group needed logistical support in the form of a vehicle to aid their operations. She concluded with a firm declaration: “There is no vacancy in 2027.”

In his response, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams thanked the people of Yakurr for celebrating Easter with him and reaffirmed his commitment to their welfare. He stated that while he may not address every challenge, he remains committed to doing his best. He disclosed that the Ekori Road project would soon commence under the NDDC and expressed hope that within two years, at least 70% of concerns raised would be resolved.

The Senator emphasized that politics should not be about what one lacks but about loyalty to the party. He assured constituents that every community will receive what is due to them and noted that he prefers actions to noise-making. He acknowledged the internal wrangling within the party and said this was the first time members of the same party were in conflict. Nevertheless, he assured everyone that all Yakurr sons and daughters remain his brothers and sisters, and he will continue working for all.

Senator Williams reminded the people that Yakurr had never produced a Senator until now and urged them to protect the seat and use it wisely to improve lives. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to scholarships, human capital development, and infrastructure. He praised Governor Bassey Otu for his support to Yakurr and promised to intensify efforts to ensure that constituents benefit fully from the dividends of democracy.