Akpabio Promises More State Constituencies In Akwa Ibom

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has assured that more state constituencies may be created in Akwa Ibom to address concerns over representation following the conclusion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primaries.

His assurance comes amid protests by women groups who lamented that only four women emerged as APC nominees for the 26 state constituencies in the state, a situation they described as inadequate representation compared to the expected 35 per cent inclusion benchmark.

The development has sparked renewed calls for more inclusive political participation in line with ongoing debates around the proposed Special Seats for Women Bill.

Speaking during the declaration of results of the APC House of Assembly primary held at his Essien Udim Council Secretariat, Afaha Ikot Ebak, Akpabio said efforts were underway to review the structure of constituencies to ensure fairer representation across the state.

He noted that legislative adjustments were being considered to create additional constituencies from several local government areas, including Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Oron, Udung Uko, Ikot Abasi, Eastern Obolo, Esit Eket and Ibeno.

“Akwa Ibom State deserves more State constituencies to ensure even representation of the 31 LGAs,” Akpabio said.

He added that some current arrangements, where two local government areas share a single constituency, were not ideal and required review in line with constitutional provisions.

“For instance, while Essien Udim State Constituency has a representative in the House of Assembly, some other areas are combined in ways that should be re-examined,” he stated.

Akpabio said he would work with Governor Umo Eno and relevant stakeholders to pursue reforms aimed at expanding representation.

“Each local government area ought to be represented by a member in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, but that is for INEC and others to consider within constitutional provisions,” he added.

He also commended Governor Umo Eno for what he described as a peaceful and well-organised primary election across the state.

“I commend the APC for the peaceful conduct of the exercise. No stone was thrown at anybody. INEC is here as observers, NGOs and CSOs from Abuja and other places are here. I believe they are shocked at the peaceful nature of Akwa Ibom people,” he said.

On the emergence of Prince Ukpong Akpabio as APC candidate, the Senate President congratulated him, describing him as a worthy representative of the people.

“To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

The women’s groups, however, maintained that the outcome of the primaries reflects a need for deeper reforms to promote gender inclusion in political representation in the state.