By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
A non-governmental organisation “Opinion Voice of Ikom Leadership” has stamped its support that the next local government chairman should come from the Olulumo Ward.
Opinion Voice of iKom leadership, is a pressure, non-governmental organisation resident in Ikom – Cross River State with over 800 members drawn across the eleven wards of Ikom.
A statement issued and signed by the Chairman Pastor Tony Bassey, and Njor Collins Adekpe, Secretary said the decision was taken after painstakingly and unbiased opinion poll across the wards and from members of the public for over six months.
According to the statement “we focused our findings on the most preferred ward for the next elective local government elections for Ikom local government council”
“Out of eleven wards, eight wards have benefited or produced elected chairmen, while three wards namely: Akparabong, Olulumo, and Ofutop have not benefited nor produced any person as chairman “.
Therefore, the statement added, “It is on record that Akparabong have an elected member of the State Assembly, a Commissioner and the Secretary of lkom Urban currently — while Ofutop Ward 1 has the State Deputy Chairrnan for APC and a Senior Special Adviser to the State Governor. Olulumo Ward is yet to benefit or produce an elected Chairman for Ikom local government council. This is since 1999”.
Furthermore, “this, to our opinion and with over 87% of those we seek their opinion, suggests and says strongly that Olulumo is the most preferred ward.
“On this note, on behalf of the entire members of Opinion voice of lkom Leadership therefore have voted and zoned the next lkom Council Chairman to Olulumo Ward.”
This is our position and the position of the majority in lkom. Olulumo Ward should produce the next lkom Council Chairman in the interest of equity and fairness .
Other members are, Okim Okim Ogoro, Prince Atep Odo, Oguda Thankgod E., Bojor Oben Neji, Richard Agbor, Ekawon E. Ekawon, Odo Assam and Ojen Catherine Bassey.
