2015 Guber’ Contest:Attah Rejects Zoning Following the agitation that Eket Senatorial District should produce the next governor of the state in 2015, the former governor of the state, Obong Victor Attah last weekend said that though it is a “sequential logic that after Uyo and Ikot Ekpene it should be Eket, there must be a level playing field for all aspirants. Speaking at Asan Ibibio during a reception organized in his honour by Ibibio ethnic nationality, the former governor categorically stated that “zoning will certainly be a major consideration”, adding that “but at a time like this, certain other compelling determinants, cannot be scarified on the altar of zoning alone”. Obong Attah noted that the people of the state will collectively choose a successor to implement the succession plan for the state. His words, “today, our resolve must be that collectively we shall make a succession plan. Collectively we shall choose a successor to implement our succession plan. The collective will of all of us, and only our collective will, shall prevail. “As I look round, I see a number of faces of people I know are aspiring to the high office of governor of this state. A large number of those aspirants are from Eket Senatorial District. This is as should be expected because of the sequential logic that after Uyo and Ikot Ekpene it should be Eket. But there must be a level playing field for all aspirants.” “this is particularly true at this time when there is such a crying need to give hope back to our people; to restore their confidence in their government and to rebuild the state. Zoning will certainly be a major consideration but at a time like this, certain other compelling determinants cannot be scarified on the altar of zoning alone”. Obong Attah used the occasion to informed his people the role he played to ensure that Akwa Ibom State was created. He said, “let me start by telling you about something that happened in 1987. I was in Kaduna and about the middle of the year, I received a message from the Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR, He sent to ask me if I was no longer interested in a state for my people. This happened because for a long time I had, with respect and within the limits of friendship harassed him to create a state for us. When it did not happen, I gave up. “I was shocked, but astatically surprised. I was asked to present yet another request for a state which I did. Sometime after that, I was invited to the office of the Coordinator of National Security (CONS) at 12 Awolow road, Ikoyi, and was asked to draw a map of what I thought should constitute the new state. “After that I waited and then on 23rd September, 1987, came the announcement that Akwa Ibom and Katsina States had been created. My joy knew now bounds. Of course, the first thing I did was to sit down and compose a letter to our beloved benefactor, President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida who had graciously created a state for us”. The former governor popularly referred to as father of resource control told the people the many battles he had with former president Olusegun Obasanjo to secure the 13% derivation for oil producing states as well as the abolition of the obnoxious onshore/offshore oil dichotomy. He expressed thanks to the Ibibio people and the entire people of the state for the warn reception given him. Earlier, Kanu Agabi in his key-note address paid glowing tribute to Obong Attah. He described the former governor as a humble and faithful man who is well honoured by the entire nation. Agabi, a former Attoney General of the Federal noted that Obong Attah apart from making success in his choosing career, had worked had to ensure that there is peace and justice in the state in particular and the country in general. He called on the people of Akwa Ibom to unite and work together so that God can bless the state. On his part, the former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbenedion thanked the people of the state for honouring Obong Attah. He described Obong Attah as a treasure for Nigeria, adding that his doggedness and zeal to succeed led to the abolition of onshore/offshore oil dichotomy as well as his election of as chairman of governors forum during his time as governor. A member of the just concluded National Conference and leader of Yoruba delegates thanked Obong Attah for changing the plight of oil producing states through his dogged agitation for increased derivation formula. The epoch making reception had who is who in the politics of Ibibio nation, traditional rulers, clergymen, captains of industry, leaders of professional organizations, political associates and governorship aspirants. Among them were Obong Umana Umana, Prof. Richard King, Bishop Samuel Akpan, Obong Bassey Albert, Barr. Asuquo, Asuquo Okpo, Senator Helen Esuene Senator Alloysius Etok and Dr. Ime Sampson Umana. Others who also attended the event were former governor of Bayelsa State, DSP Alamasieghe, former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbenedion, ekerette Ekpenyong, Samuel Effanga, Chief Don Etiebet, Chief Nduese Essien, Kenedy Ekong, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, Obong Ekperikpe Ekpo, Sen. Eme Ufot Ekaette, Paul Owo and Bassey Etienam Engr. Chris Ekpenyong. Also in attendance were Barr. Usenobong Akpabio, Onofiok Luke, Bishop Cletus Bassey, Catholic Archbishop of Calabar, Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Otu (VI), Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi, Edidem Udo Joe Ntukobom, Paramount Ruler of Etinan, Edidem Dickson Umoette, Paramount Ruler of Ini, HRM Apostle Dr. Ntueng Udo Effiong Akpan (JP), Obong Donald Udoh, Obong Essien Attah, among others.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:11:20 +0000
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