“The consequences may be dire” – Uyo group warns against breaching zoning arrangement ahead of 2027

The Uyo Liberation Movement (ULM), a socio-political organisation in Akwa Ibom state, has warned against any attempt to alter the existing zoning arrangement for the Uyo state constituency seat ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group took its advocacy for the rotation of political positions among the four clans in Uyo local government area to the palace of Sylvanus Okon, paramount ruler of the area, on Wednesday.

The movement said the House of Assembly seat should be zoned to Offot clan in line with the longstanding arrangement among the clans.

Speaking during the visit, Udeme Ekot, president of the group, said the delegation visited the monarch because of his role as custodian of the people’s culture and traditions.

Ekot said the zoning arrangement for the assembly seat dates back to the beginning of the Fourth Republic.

His words: “We in Uyo Liberation Movement decided to be voice to the voiceless. Uyo has a tradition that the House of Assembly seat rotates around the four clans of Uyo.

“The deal started from the beginning of the Fourth Republic and it has always been four years single term for each clan.

“If there is need to review that agreement, it should start with Oku Clan after Offot has concluded their tenure. We are taking this advocacy to everywhere starting from the paramount ruler. Uyo must be in unity.

“If the governor does not see the need to call the leadership of his party to order, the consequences may be dire in 2027 as the ruling party may lose the election.”

Prince Emmanuel Sam, secretary-general of the group, also insisted that the assembly seat should be ceded to Offot Ukwa clan.

“Our interest is to ensure that Offot Ukwa Clan produces House of Assembly member for Uyo State Constituency come 2027,” he said.

Responding, Okon urged all parties to pursue peaceful dialogue in resolving political disagreements.

The traditional ruler cautioned politicians against using their closeness to those in power to victimise others.

“I would encourage you all to always tell government your demands and when it is necessary to sit on the round table, please do so because brothers are not meant to quarrel,” he said.

Other members of the delegation included Nse Brownson, David Ikpe, Caleb Effiong, Usen Okon and Ifiok, among others.