LG Elections: Akamkpa Set For Female Chairman, Edodi, Agbor Favourites For Biase, Obubra Chairmanship Positions 

By Ndifereke BASSEY 

The battle over who flies All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship flag in Akamkpa, Biase and Obubra local government areas are becoming a ding-dong affair, THE BEAGLE NEWS can authouritatively reveal.

A plethora of aspirants have emerged across the board including women and are giving stakeholders a nightmare especially in Akampka, Biase and Obubra communities considering the volatile nature of their politicking.

The selection processes are characterised by underground scheming, intrigues and arm- twisting from critical stakeholders in the political system. 

While some local government areas have almost concluded their election processes, a few are embroiled in a crisis leading to an inconclusive election.

AKAMKPA LGA 

In Akamkpa, the political leaders, headed by Commissioner for works, Felix Ankpo, are said to be having a nightmare trying to sell some preferred candidates from the "above".

A series of meetings have been convened and no consensus was reached among the stakeholders and the over 10 aspirants from constituency 1 made up of Akamkpa, Uyanga, Iko, Mbarakom and Awi.

In Akamkpa, political positions, especially chairman and councillorship, are shared between constituency 1 and 2 and Constituency 2 just finished.

Checks by THE BEAGLE NEWS showed that Awi and Uyanga are the only communities that have not tasted the chairmanship seat.

The stakeholders are engaged in a 'silent war' over alleged moves by the Commissioner for works, Felix Ankpo, to impose his crony as chairman without recourse to explaining zoning formula.

Besides, Uyanga ward APC stalwarts have accused works commissioner, A kpo, of not convening a meeting to show direction as well moves to impose a woman chairman on Akamkpa people.

In Akamkpa, political positions, especially chairman and Councillorship are shared between constituency 1 and 2 and Constituency 2 just finished.

Checks by THE BEAGLE NEWS showed that Awi and Uyanga are the only communities that have not tasted the chairmanship seat. It was learnt that the chairmanship position rotates between Dusanga Iyong Iyong and Ejagham.

Checks showed that Dusanga Iyong Iyong ( Iko ward) has produced chairman and House of Assembly in the person of Hon. Mathew Olori. Uyanga and Awi have never produced a chairman. While Uyanga is said to parade 8 chairmanship aspirants, Awi parades about 10 aspirants, creating problems of selection.

The Uyanga ward APC stalwarts have accused works commissioner, A kpo, of not convening a meeting to show direction as well as to impose a woman chairman on Akamkpa people.

So far, those said to be in the race include Dr.Valentine Ntui, Felix Akposi, a strong community leader and strong ally of RT. Hon. Daniel Asuquo (Dansuki) and has been in politics for a while, Ogar Ogar and Charles Ikpeme from Mbarakom ward and being projected by Hom.Linus Etim, current Assembly Constituency 2. Ikpeme and Etim are said to be in-laws. 

Women in the race include Mrs Orok Agbor, former Rep Orok Agbor wife, discreetly being supported by Ankpo. She is of Ejagham clan from Uyanga ward and the Ejaghams are solidly behind her in case women are given the opportunity to rule Akamkpa for once.

Mrs. Eno Nsokpo from Uyanga is also in the race and is backed by Hon. Okon Ewona. She is married to an Odukpani man and played Akamkpa politics all her life. Mrs Affiong Alphonsus Ekeng (Uyanaga ward) and a dark horse Lady, whose identity could not be ascertained as at the time of going to press.

THE BEAGLE NEWS gathered authouritatively that a caucus meeting convenes by Ankpo and held yesterday at Akamkpa on Saturday, October 12, 2024 to choose a consensus and could not reach an agreement as it ended in crisis.

Ankpo was said to have read names of aspirants in the race but told the stakeholders that there is an "unknown" Lady who was to be present and couldn't make it for some obvious reasons" and added that " the caucus will meet with Lady in Calabar today."

A source close to the meeting told THE BEAGLE NEWS that the announcement caused a lot of commotion leading to an abrupt end of the meeting.

However, this paper has scooped that Akampka may likely be beheaded by a woman this time round since the local government area has never produced a woman chairman even as 3 names have been shortlisted for consideration.

The impeccable source told THE BEAGLE NEWS that the "yet-to-be mentioned Lady," Mrs.Orok Agbor's wife and Affiong may likely emerge the next Akamkpa council chairman.

Meanwhile, some groups are kicking against moves to impose a woman chairman.

BIASE LGA 

In Biase local government area, the stakeholders have zoned the chairmanship position to Akpet/Abini and Adim wards, since they are the remains wards that have never produced council chairman.

With the zoning, the race is said to be between Edodi Edodi Eyong from AKPET/Abini ward and Dr. Ajah Ibiang Ajah (ANIJAH) from Adim ward.

Eyong is an economist and respected leader, and enjoys widespread support from men, women, and youth alike. He is seen as the people's choice to lead Biase into a new era of development. He is being backed by some young political appointees including Commissioner for Youth, Bar. Ijom, Managing Director, Tourism Bureau, Prince OJOI Ekpenyong, and Director General Bureau of Public Enterprise, Charles Atu.

Dr. Ajah Ajah (ANIJAH) is a pharmacist. He is seen as the Renaissance leader that Biase local government area needs, to fulfill a promise of transformation and progress to the community.

He is being backed by some top politicians including Rep. Emil Inyang. The APC leadership is kicking against Ajah alleging that PDP won in Adim during the last general elections.

However, THE BEAGLE NEWS has scooped that the pendulum is swinging in favour of Edodi Edodi Eyong as members of Governor's kitchen cabinet are disposed of to him. So, barring any last minute change, Eyong will emerge APC Biase chairmanship candidate.

OBUBRA LGA

Obubura, like every other local government area, has equally zoned the chairmanship slot to Iyamoyong.

The 3 leading contenders for the position are Agbor Apollo, being backed by Emma Abeng, a member of Forestry Commission; Elucate Okora, former member of the Cross River State House of Assembly and being backed by commissioner for Agriculture, Ebokpo Johnson Junior; and Maurice Okora, and Abuja-based politician and being backed by the Minister of Sports, Sen. John Owan Eno. Maurice is Owan Eno's accountant.

THE BEAGLE NEWS has scooped that Agbor Apollo, enjoys tremendous support from powers-that-be and is the favourite candidate for the pending local government elections.