2011 Elections: A Plea For Calm

Time truly flies and 2011 is just around the corner. It is the year that Akwa Ibomites will visit the poll again to cast their votes pursuant to electing people to manage public affairs for specific time.

It is encouraging that there are interest and declaration of interest from members of the public to occupy critical offices in the state. What disturbs Global Concord is the “red lights” emanating from different camps within the state which pose serious threat to the unity of the state. We are bordered that democratic principles are ignored blatantly in the pursuits of interest in the forthcoming election.

We are bound by conscience, without prejudice to any person or group of persons, to comment that the Machiavellian style of politicking introduced into this state by those who are orchestrating unity, justice and fair play leaves much to be desired; hence our public condemnation of ethnicity and cat-and-dog politics that suddenly finds its way into our polity.
Almost a month ago, the bill boards of Chief Godswill Akpabio were devastated at Oron. Political analysts and in fact, indigenes of the area said it was done as a sort of protest to the incarceration of an Oro man, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Effiong Eso Ononokpono by the state governor. Global Concord is of the opinion that acts like this can lead to ethnic clashes or tribal war in the state.

Barely two weeks ago, there was a move by the people of Annang (Ikot Ekpene) to stop Mrs. Justina Udoedehe from visiting the area. Thugs destroyed cars, canopies and chairs that were at the venue of the event. This act was later followed by Chief Sunny Ibanga's (Ikot Ekpene PDP Chapter Chairman) open declaration that “nobody should come for political campaign in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District except for Gov. Godswill”, that he was “ready to stage war, any day Udoedehe will come for political campaign in Ikot Ekpene, warning that his campaign posters should not be posted anywhere around Ikot Ekpene.

Last Sunday, Global Concord's attention was drawn to some devastated bill boards of Chief Akpabio in some strategic places around Uyo. This, we learnt, is a prelude to the war song which Sunny Ibanga and co in Chief Akpabio's government has begun.
This ethnic politics should stop forthwith! There should be a level-playing ground for all aspirants irrespective of politico-ethnic background. Though, Chief Akpabio is the incumbent, Senator Udoedehe and others have the same right to campaign for the governorship seat of this state.

We are calling for restrain in undemocratic utterances and actions from people in the state that can ignite violent and blood shed if not properly managed. As the election year draws nearer, security agencies, civil societies and non- governmental organizations must rise to the occasion by ensuring fairness and objectivity and protection of democratic principles which we know are lacking in the state now.