Udom insists on zoning of political offices

Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has said the zoning formula in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would be sacrosanct, as the 2019 primaries for elected offices are approaching.

The governor said the system as applied during the local council elections primaries in last year helped the exercise to be rancor free.Governor Emmanuel made the disclosure last week during a meeting with the party’s faithful at the PDP secretariat in Uyo, the state capital.He said, “The consciousness exhibited by aspirants during the council polls led to reduction in court cases and bitterness among the contestants, even those that were defeated at the primaries did not defect to other parties.”

The governor explained that those who understand it was not their turn or their zone should wait, promising that the system would certainly give everybody the chance to contest or test their political strength and popularity as at when due.

While he promised not to violate the zoning structure of the party, he emphasised the need to streamline, saying, “To aspire is something that is natural, every human being has the right to do so, but whatsoever that we do, let it not divide the party, let it not bring any acrimony between us.

“Election will come and go but relationship remain forever, let it not be because of political office, we create enmity amongst ourselves.”The governor, who repeatedly advised the party members to eschew all forms of acrimony as the 2019 election approaches, charged them to be wary of external forces whose aim would be that of creating problems within the party.

“I want to plead as political activities kick up in earnest, let us not play into the hands of outsiders and let nobody sponsor you with the aim of taking your brother to court for unnecessary expenses.”He urged party members to take advantage of the ongoing Voters Registration exercise by making sure those who are of voting age are encouraged to register so that they would exercise their franchise during the elections.

According to him, people across the country are waiting anxiously for the PDP in 2019, stressing that, since there was no alternative to the party both in the state and country, Akwa Ibom people should not be on the defence.He commended the party for its success during the last local government elections, urging them that, such feat should be repeated in 2019.

Earlier, the state party chairman, Mr. Paul Ekpo, told the governor that, the party has put machineries in place to ensure its success during the primaries and the main elections in 2019.

He reminded members to preserve their voters card and should start mobilizing people across the 329 wards in the state by taking to them about the good work of PDP, noting that, such would then prepare people’s minds for the party during the elections proper.Highlight of the meeting was the presentation of 31 buses to 31 chapter chairmen of the PDP in the state.