LG POLLS: Esit Eket Unity Forum Protests Chairmanship Candidate Imposition
By Imoh Essien (Uyo)
As Akwa Ibom State gears up for local government elections scheduled for October 26, 2024, Esit Eket Unity Forum has protested against the alleged imposition of a chairmanship candidate by Rt. Hon. Iniobong Robson, a two term Executive chairman of the area who also doubled as the ALGON Chairman in the state.
The protesters, who gathered at the PDP State Secretariat in Uyo, expressed displeasure with chants and placards reading, “Allow democracy to thrive,” “We will not accept imposition,” and “Do not take us for granted.” They sought to meet the state chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan, who was not present at the time.
In a protest letter addressed to the State Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Elder Aniekan Akpan, the group stated, “We are writing to bring to your urgent attention and seek your immediate intervention regarding a series of troubling actions and statements made by Mr. Iniobong Robson Nnamso, the Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Akwa Ibom State. His recent conduct threatens the peace and stability of Esit Eket Local Government Area and undermines the democratic process in our party.”
The letter alleged that Mr. Robson is attempting to impose Mr. Sunday Tom, an undergraduate and his dependent, as the consensus PDP Chairmanship aspirant for Esit Eket LGA.
“Please note that Sunday Tom has never aspired to be Chairman of the Council. It is the ALGON Chairman who has singlehandedly chosen him, disregarding the will and aspirations of the Esit Eket people and compromising the integrity of the leadership selection process in our party.”
Hon. Uyoata Assam, the former Secretary of Esit Eket Local Government Area and leader of the protest, claimed that certain individuals were attempting to cause crisis in the local party chapter by imposing Sunday Tom, a loyalist of Hon. Robson.
Hon. Assam appealed to Governor Umo Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the State Party Chairman Elder Aniekan Akpan to ensure fair treatment and accommodation of all aspirants to promote fairness and equity in the local government, allowing a popular candidate to emerge.
Assam further stated that Hon. Robson has threatened to deal with anyone opposing his choice of candidate. “Mr. Iniobong Robson has openly dared your esteemed office to oppose his choice of successor, displaying a blatant disregard for your authority as the State Chairman of our party and the democratic principles.”
He lamented that Hon. Robson’s actions violate democratic protocols and undermine the electoral process, potentially infringing on the inalienable rights of the Esit Eket people.
The group however lauded Governor Umo Eno’s leadership within his first year in office and expressed confidence that their demands would be duly considered.
The Transition Chairman of Esit Eket LGA, Hon. Iniobong Robson, could not be reached on the phone for his comments.
