Akaiso Akaiso, Uyo

There is palpable tension in Esit Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom state as aspirants jostle for the chairmanship ticket of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP).

The State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) has fixed October 26, 2024 for election in 31 local government councils in the state.

However, there is crisis in Esit Eket as youths and stakeholders are up against the State chairman of the Association of Local Governnment of Nigeria(ALGON), Mr. Iniobong Robson.

Robson, who is also the transition chairman of Esit Eket, is alleged to have singlehandedly imposed a candidate against the wishes of the people.

They accused Robson of picking one Sunday Etim Tom, a former councilor from Zone B, Ward 5 as his successor over other five aspirants.

According to Uyoatta Assam, a former supervisor for works, the current transition chairman cannot determine who his successor should be when he vacates office in December.

Assam said, “the transition chairman singlehandedly without consulting youths and elders of the party foisted his stooge on the people. The party’s primary is yet to hold.

“We can’t allow that to happen because Governor Umo Eno believes in democracy. He wants the process to be all engaging, not one individual acting God in Esit Eket.

“The most annoying thing is that the transition chairman has done nine and the half years as chairman of Esit Eket yet we can’t see anything tangible he has achieved so why bring in a stooge to be your successor?

“We are quite aware that there are five aspirants from Zone B. But our worry is that the stooge he has chosen is from Ward 5. This particular Ward 5 has occupied the state House of Assembly for 25 years.

“I want to let you know that Esit Eket people will not accept this imposition and injustices. Also know that there will be serious crisis if this is allowed”, he said.

Efforts to reach the ALGON Chairman were not possible as at press time as he did respond to calls and text messages sent by our correspondent to him.