OPINION: SEN. ETENG WILLIAMS 2027 TICKET IS ALREADY SEALED AND STAMPED
By Klem Ikoi
Resist the urge to fight those you envy or those whom God has blessed! Some battles only lead to personal setbacks. Envying the success of others can result in failure. As the saying goes, *"If God is for Sen. Eteng Jona Williams, who can be against him?"*
Running for a Senate seat is never easy, even for those with money, political influence, and strong connections. Many candidates have pursued their ambitions with the Governor’s encouragement, believing they had his full support. Yet, in the end, they faced disappointment, not just from the Governor but also from their party and trusted allies.
For those unfamiliar with me, let me clarify: I do not write to insult people or interfere in their personal lives. My writing is always objective and constructive.
Before I continue, I want to congratulate Sen. Eteng Jona Williams.* His *2027 Senate ticket is already secured.* I know some people may want to write a rejoinder to this article, which is understandable. However, let’s not forget the saying: "Charity begins at home."
Some people assume I dislike the aspirant. That is not true. I am simply being realistic and honest.* Anyone who reads my work can see that I speak the truth as a dedicated party member. The only people who may disagree are those who refuse to accept reality. Even Jesus Christ was not loved by everyone.
Before anyone writes a response to this article, I encourage them to first *verify my points and confirm whether they are true or false.*
If you want respect, you must first learn to respect others for you to be respected. Politics has a hierarchy, and key players must be acknowledged.
In Biko Biko politics, certain influential figures must be recognized for anyone to gain serious political credibility. Consider these questions:
What is the aspirant’s relationship with key APC Biko Biko Ward stakeholders?
Is Chief Barr. Utum Eteng, a founding APC member and respected state lawyer, part of his team?
Has he consulted a former Yakurr Council Chairman, a former PDP CRS State Party Secretary, a three-time Commissioner, and now a Governing Council member appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?*
These two highly respected APC members come from the same compound as the aspirant. The question is, *has he engaged them and sought their support?* Their influence is widely recognized across *the state, the Central Senatorial District, and Biko Biko.* If the aspirant is serious about leadership, these key figures should be part of his journey.
Barr. Utum Eteng, a *seasoned political strategist,* has remained silent about the aspirant’s political distractions. However, he is available to discuss these matters if necessary.
The aspirant should research the following:
1. *Why does the Governor refer to Utum Eteng as "Etubom Utum Eteng" when he is not from the Efik ethnic group?
2. What role did Utum Eteng play in Governor Otu’s campaign?*
He was the *Director of the Governor’s campaign organization.*
He was a *key member of the legal team* that defended the Governor’s election from the *Federal High Court in Calabar to the Supreme Court in Abuja.*
3. *Why do respected figures like Obol Obla and Barr. Alphonsus Eba refer to Utum Eteng as their mentor?*
4. *Has the aspirant taken the time to understand Utum Eteng’s influence in Yakurr politics, including his role in the emergence of Rt. Hon. Cyril Omini and the current Yakurr Council Chairman?*
Despite his ambitions, the aspirant has never even visited the homes of these two heavyweight politicians in Biko Biko Ward, Ugep.
Political credibility and blessings must start with one's own people. That is the only way to gain serious recognition.
Sen. Eteng Jona Williams’ 2027 Senate ticket is already sealed and stamped. You can take that to the bank.
A Senate aspirant who has *never voted in an election in Cross River Central Senatorial District* cannot expect to win there. He does not even have a *polling unit in Yakurr.* If this is false, I stand to be corrected.
_The reality is clear:_
He has *never voted for the Senator he now seeks to replace.*
He has never voted for his supposed friend in the State House of Assembly, whom he now opposes.
We are very sure that when the next *INEC Voter Registration and Revalidation Exercise* begins, that will be the only time he will register to vote in Yakurr.
A troubling development in Biko Biko politics is the ongoing political injustice.
The well-known Councilorship zoning system in Biko Biko has been disrupted.
Within two months, the Councilorship position, which should have gone to Ibenda, was taken back to the aspirant’s backyard. If he were to become Senator tomorrow (God forbid), would all constituency allocations also be directed solely to his family?
Consider this: Where else in *Biko Biko* can anyone point to an *NDDC streetlight,* other than the road leading to his house?
This is an aspirant who has *never supported anyone from his own compound or ward.*
Political leadership is about *service, respect, and building bridges.* If you seek leadership, start by *earning the trust of those closest to you.* The *2027 Senate race is already decided,* and *Sen. Eteng Jona Williams is the clear choice.*
Ikoi writes from Calabar
