The Justice for Ika Movement, an advocacy group, has rejected the re-election of Hon. Clement Jimbo , for Abak/Etim Ekpo/ Ika Federal Constituency in 2027, claiming that it is the turn of Ika to produce a representative.
The group in a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Information Drive Uyo ,Monday ,stated that if the incumbent retains the seat in 2027, it would amount to mischief, unfairness, and injustice to the people of Ika.
The president of the Justice for Ika Movement, Dr Boniface Umoh in his address reasoned that the federal constituency is a family made up of three equal brothers: Abak, Etim Ekpo, and Ika and that in a bid to maintain mutual respect, stakeholders had long ago established a sacred zoning system, yet the historical records reveal a heartbreaking disparity with Etim Ekpo Local Government Area dominating sharing for a total of 12 years while Abak Local Government Area is about completing a 12-year stretch of representation under the incumbent, Hon. Clement Jimbo, leaving Ika Local Government Area with only four years of representation in the history of the federal constituency.
“There is a glaring 8-year deficit. Waiting any longer will only widen this gap. 2027 is indisputably the turn for Ika to represent our collective family in the Green Chambers,” Umoh stressed.
He added that as the incumbent representative Hon. Jimbo, is seeking another term, he would hijack the seat for Abak for an unprecedented 16 consecutive years, “and if the overreach is allowed ,the political math breaks down for everyone because it would take a massive 28 years before another Abak son or daughter could ever dream of holding the seat.”
“Our brothers and sisters in Etim Ekpo will be forced to wait 16 years instead of eight years for their next turn.This greed disrupts the future of every youth and aspiring leader in Abak and Etim Ekpo,” the group observed.
The president said that Ika people supported other local government areas when it was their turn , therefore, they were calling on the other two local government areas to, “stand hand-in-hand with (Ika) now.”
The group , which declared an absolute, and unreserved support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu , Senate President ,Chief Godswill Akpabio, as well as Governor Umo Eno , described the lopsidedness as political mischief.
The president acknowledged with delight that some individuals of Ika origin have in their private capacity graciously brought life- touching projects and programmes and to improve livelihood in the area.
He enumerated some of life-touching programmes to include start-up grant, distribution of Keke NAPEP, motorcycles, road grading , agricultural support,payment for West African Examination Council (WAEC) , and school fees, free health care, renovation of schools with amenities,food and cash distribution,as well as the installation of solar powered streetlights across Ika villages.
Umoh appealed to the political actors to let Ika breath,stop intimidation ,the purported bullying tactics, dividing of youths, and to cease alleged threats to disrupt the electoral process.
He stated,”Ika’s position is clear: Allow INEC to do its work. Allow the people to live and vote in peace. Let the votes of the people for the President and the Senate count without interference.”
Umoh called on his Kinsmen in Ika, and the people of Abak and Etim Ekpo to continue to be resolute, stand firm on the principles and refuse to be bullied as power belongs to the people, not to the leaders selected to serve .
He also implored traditional rulers, elders, women, young people, professionals, farmers, and community leaders to see the advocacy as a collective moment and rise up and declare with one unmistakable voice: “This is Ika’s turn. Vote for Ika candidate.”
“Let justice be done. Yak Unen Ika No Ika(Give what rightfully belongs to Ika).Vote for the Ika turn. Vote for active performance.Vote for true, effective representation!,” he echoed
Also speaking, the coordinator of the group, Mrs Uduak Olufemi, said Ika people would not wait any longer , saying the other two local government areas were joining forces with them to claim the seat.
The Chairman of NUJ ,Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, in his remarks , extolled the group for treading a peaceful disposition in the advocacy.
He noted that the media as a mouthpiece for the downtrodden, and concerned masses would in various platforms carry the message to every nooks and crannies.