As the anticipation for the next council chairman of Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State reaches its peak, the debate over where the chairmanship should be zoned is becoming more intense. The conventional zoning arrangement, which divides Yala LGA between Yala I and Yala II constituencies, has been a cornerstone of political stability in the area. This arrangement, when followed with fairness, ensures that all communities within the LGA feel represented and included in governance. As such, it is critical that the upcoming chairmanship is zoned to South Ukelle, Yala II Constituency, to maintain this balance and uphold the principles of equity.
To understand the current debate, it is essential to revisit the history of chairmanship in Yala LGA, particularly as it concerns the Ukelle extraction. Over the years, North Ukelle has produced the following chairmen:
1. Hon. Inaku (1979-84)
2. Dr. Christopher Lukpata (1996-97)
3. Hon. Augustine Ilom (1998)
4. Hon. James Ikpa (2000-2003)
5. Hon. Mike Ede Usibe (2013-2016)
In contrast, South Ukelle has only produced two chairmen:
1. Hon. Samuel Ujor (1996)
2. Barr. Fidel Egoro (2008-2010)
These statistics clearly show a disparity in the distribution of the chairmanship between North and South Ukelle. Cumulatively, North Ukelle has produced five chairmen, while South Ukelle has only had two. This discrepancy underscores the need for the chairmanship to return to South Ukelle in the interest of fairness and justice.
The last chairman from Ukelle extraction, Hon. Mike Usibe, hailed from North Ukelle. Given the historical imbalance, it is only logical and just that the next chairman should come from South Ukelle. Advocating for the chairmanship to remain in North Ukelle would not only perpetuate this imbalance but could also breed discontent and disunity between the northern and southern parts of Ukelle.
Those who argue that North Ukelle should retain the chairmanship often base their reasoning on the fact that North Ukelle has more wards than South Ukelle. However, this argument is flawed. It fails to consider that Yala I and Yala II do not share an equal proportion of wards, yet they still adhere to an equal zoning arrangement. The essence of zoning is to ensure that all parts of the constituency, regardless of size, have a fair opportunity to lead and contribute to the governance of the LGA.
In light of these facts, it is imperative to appeal to the “People First” Governor, His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who himself is a product of zoning and has consistently championed equity in governance. We also call upon Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, APC State Chairman Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, and other key stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to uphold the principles of zoning as a criterion for determining the next Yala LGA chairman.
Ukelle is traditionally divided into two major regions: North Ukelle and South Ukelle. Historically, all positions, including the State House of Assembly seat, have been zoned between these two regions. This tradition must be maintained to ensure continued unity and progress within Ukelle. The first beneficiary of the democratic zoning arrangement in Ukelle was Barr. Fidel Egoro from Mfuma/Ntrigom Ward in South Ukelle. Since then, the chairmanship has returned to North Ukelle, with Hon. Mike Usibe as the last chairman. Now, it is only just that the chairmanship returns to South Ukelle, specifically to Ijiraga Ward, which has yet to benefit from this zoning formula.
The principles of equity and fairness demand that the chairmanship of Yala LGA be returned to South Ukelle. Upholding the zoning arrangement is not just a matter of tradition; it is a matter of ensuring that all communities within Yala LGA feel equally represented and valued. To disregard this principle is to risk sowing the seeds of division and discord in a region that has long thrived on unity and mutual respect.
Patrick Usili
Writes from South Ukelle.
Patrickusili@gmail.com