Ahead of the October 26, 2024 local government elections, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has reserved 40 percent slot for women, assuring that the gesture would be accompanied with free nomination forms.

The elections would be conducted by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), across the 31 local councils in the state.

The AKISIEC chairman, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, had said plans have been concluded for the polls to hold.

Therefore, Eno has urged stakeholders in different councils to present  competent and popular aspirants that will ensure smooth and unquestionable victories at the polls.

However, he indulged the stakeholders not to breach the current zoning arrangements across the 368 wards in the state.

He stated this at the July edition of Government House monthly Covenant Service held at the Banquet Hall, Uyo.

The governor said it was the position of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to give 40 percent of available positions to women, adding that to further encourage women participation, forms will be handed out to them free of charge.

He reminded interested aspirants to carry out necessary checks to ensure that they are favoured by the zoning arrangement before throwing their hat into the ring, stressing that no one would be held liable for any unguided electioneering expenditures.

Speaking further, the governor, who inaugurated the board of State Insurance Agency yesterday, said the decision became necessary in view of rising health challenges.

He said, “it is advisable to have health insurance for ease of getting treatment.”