It is no longer news that Obanliku local government, which has been politically marginalised for more than a decade, is facing a significant political vacuum following the resignation of Associate Professor Mike Ushie, the former Chairman of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), and Mathew Ucheche, a CROSIEC Commissioner. Interestingly, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, state chairmanship election is only 48 hours away from when the CROSIEC chairman and a few other members tendered their resignations.
By custom and history, the chairman of the Nigerian National Youth Council has always been divided into three senatorial districts: Central, represented by Comrades Lekan and Dan Obo; North, represented by Comrade Ben Okori, and South represented by Comrade Prince Ndiyo. Even in circular politics, we are aware that the goal of zoning is to consolidate authority among the state’s LGAs and senatorial districts to advance justice, equity, and fairness. Not only is the Chairmanship position zoned, but other important offices have also been zoned.
The Northern Senatorial District, which includes the LGAs of Obanliku, Obudu, Bekwarra, Ogoja, and Yala, will produce the next State Chairman in the upcoming election. Furthermore, the Northern Senatorial District, like the other Senatorial Districts, is divided into two Federal Constituencies: Ogoja/Yala and Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwarra. Remember that the office of Chairman NYCN Cross River State Chapter was previously held in the Northern Senatorial District by the Ogoja – Yala Federal Constituency, and many Cross Riverians who seek equity, justice, and fairness believe that someone from the Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwarra Federal Constituency should hold it this time.
For example, Comrade Dan Obo arose as a result of the old Obubra’s marginalisation and the Ikom axis’ benefit from Comrade Lekan. It is also worth noting that during Dan’s administration, positions were shared with Obudu and Bekwarra LGAs, leaving Obanliku without a significant position. Obanliku was demoted to a supporting role when Bekwarra had the Vice Chairman North of the NYCN Cross River State Chapter and Obudu had the State Secretary.
Keeping in mind the aforementioned, and having faith in Senator Prince Bassey Otu’s Peoples First Government, which is well-known for promoting equity, we believe that Obanliku should be the recipient of the next State Chairmanship position. This is because we know that we have a capable individual in Prince Adie Unimke (Argentina), who is a proactive, amiable, and approachable youth leader who has demonstrated his abilities in Obanliku.
He is always available in times of need and eager to expand on the previous administration’s and Governor’s efforts to transform the state. Trust me, he will not let you down, and he will spend the next four years developing young people and making Cross River State proud.
Denis Inakefe, ANIPR.
A media Practitioner writes from Obanliku.
