Stakeholders’ Preferred Pick Snubbed, as Freida Monday Emerges as Choice’ for Councilor
Oniong West 1 Opposes Stakeholders’ Consensus Nominee
……Presents Freida Monday as the People’s Choice for Councilor
…… Calls for Governor Umo Eno’s Intervention
As the Local Government elections approach, the people of Ikot Edor, Ikot Esor, Mkpa Eto, and Ikot Eko Ibon villages, forming Oniong West Ward 1 in Onna Local Government Area, have rejected Mr. Joe Nkanang, the consensus candidate selected by ward stakeholders for the councillorship position.
At the official presentation of Miss. Freida Monday as the people’s choice on Wednesday, Hon. Edeminam Edeminam, a former councilor, expressed that the stakeholders’ choice reveals a noteworthy lack of inclusivity in governance.
“The process of selecting a consensus candidate should involve broad consultations to ensure the chosen individual is widely accepted and serves the community’s best interests,” Edeminam stated.
The former ward Chairman emphasized the community’s determination to resist any imposition of a councillorship candidate that does not have majority support. He appealed to the Governor to intervene to prevent potential unrest.
“We will not accept any candidate forced upon us. We urge Governor Umo Eno to step in and ensure a fair process that respects the will of the people,” he added.
Mrs. Mfon Idorenyin, a woman leader, criticized the outgoing Transition Chairman, Mr. Iniabasi Ekanem, for attempting to unilaterally appoint a candidate. “Mr. Ekanem, after nearly four years without notable achievements, has no right to single-handedly select our representative. The people have chosen Miss. Freida Monday, and we will support her for the betterment of our ward,” she declared.
Echoing these sentiments, traditional leaders, youth leaders, and women from the community stressed the importance of inclusive politics for a thriving democracy.
“Stakeholders should respect the people’s choice and not impose candidates. Only through internal democracy can we ensure that the most popular candidate wins,” they asserted in unison.
Miss. Freida Monday, the people’s choice, expressed her gratitude for the support and vowed to bring positive change. “I am honored by your trust and confidence in me. I promise to utilize my experience to deliver the dividends of democracy to Oniong West Ward 1,” she pledged.
The community’s unified stance against the imposed candidate and their firm support for Miss. Freida Monday marks a significant call for genuine democratic practices within Oniong West Ward 1.
