A Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, and pioneer National Publicity Secretary of the party, Senator Anietie Okon has expressed the opinion that Itu Federal Constituency, where he hails from should produce the next Governor of the Akwa Ibom State in 2023.
Senator Okon gave the counsel in Uyo while reacting to the divergent arguments canvassed among members and supporters of his party, over micro-zoning of the governorship position ahead of the forthcoming general elections in the country.
The PDP chieftain maintained that since the other two federal constituencies – Uyo and Etinan have produced governors; it would only be fair and just for the party to zone the governorship to Itu Federal Constituency.
Related: A’Ibom 2023: Micro-Zoning will Avert Rancour, Disunity in PDP – Hon. Toby Nkangude
However, he strongly believes that all state actors would support their agitation for next governorship slot given the role the constituency played in the emergence of governors from other constituencies and senatorial districts.
His words, “All we are saying is that the 2023 governorship should be zoned to Itu Federal Constituency, because looking at it, other federal constituencies in Uyo Senatorial district have had their turn. And we do not lack people of capacity from Itu Federal Constituency.
“I believe in zoning of the position because the zoning principle has been what laid the foundation of political stability and sense of inclusion in Akwa Ibom State. I am saying that under Uyo Senatorial District, this is the only federal constituency that has not produced a governor.
Related: The Akwa Ibom Zoning Question: Justice For Ibiono Ibom/Itu Federal Constituency
“There was Late Akpan Isemin from Etinan Federal constituency; then came Victor Attah from Uyo Federal Constituency. Now after Victor Attah it will be only proper that Itu Federal Constituency should produce a governor, for equity, justice and fairness. This is the situation.
“We know that the people of Uyo Senatorial District are decent and think clearly, and in any case Itu Federal Constituency has men with the capacity to the lead the state to better times. We don’t want to be involved in whatever argument anybody is putting up.”
Responding to a question on what the l people of his constituency are doing to get the entire state to support their agitation, Senator Okon said, “Thank God, democratic processes are open and obviously and there are people of integrity in the various areas.
“I believe that all the state players will look at Itu constituency and the role the area has played in the emergence of their sons. So it is not an issue to be debated now, when the right time comes we will shout the message
