By Passco Zulu
Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, Yakurr Local Government Council has seen a consistent pattern in leadership that reflects a troubling imbalance. While Yakurr’s diversity spans multiple communities, some wards have continuously held the reins of power, leaving others marginalized and without representation. The time has come to confront this issue with honesty and fairness.
Yakurr Local Government was created in 1991, following the short-lived Ugep Local Government Council (1989–1991) led by Justice Ekapon Ofem from Ajere Council Ward in Ekori. When Yakurr Local Government was established, Barrister Inyang Arikpo, from Ijiman Council Ward in Ugep Urban, became its first democratically elected chairman. His tenure was cut short by the military takeover in 1993. Between 1993 and 1996, Major Eno Iwara (rtd.) from Bikobiko Council Ward, Ugep, ran the council under military rule.
In 1996, a brief democratic election saw Mr. Ikpi Pose Archibong Akpama from Abanakpai, Nkonkodolopon, assume leadership. He was succeeded by Comrade Ofem Ekpo from Ntan Council Ward, Ekori (1997-1998). In the return to civilian rule in 1999, Honourable Godwin Ettah from Bikobiko Council Ward, Ugep Urban, was elected chairman, only for his tenure to be disrupted in 2001 due to a crisis, leading to the appointment of Sole Administrators—Dr. Eteng Eloma from Ntan, Ekori (2001-2003) and Mr. Thompson Ukagu from Ukpawen/Nkpolo, Nkonkodolopon (2003-2005).
In 2005, elections were held, and Mr. Ubi Arikpo from Ikpakapit Council Ward, Ugep Urban, was elected. He served until 2008, after which Hon. Ubi Itam Ettah from Bikobiko Council Ward, Ugep Urban, led the council for two terms, from 2008 to 2014. The following chairman, Mr. Akpama Ekusen from Abanakpai, Nkonkodolopon, served until 2015. Between 2015 and 2019, no elections were held in Cross River State, but in 2021, Mr. Ofem Obeten from Ijom Council Ward, Ugep Urban, was elected. His tenure ended on June 2, 2023.
The glaring pattern here is undeniable: Wards such as Ugep Urban, Nkonkodolopon, and Ekori have dominated the chairmanship, while other wards, particularly Nyima and Assiga, have been sidelined, never once producing a chairman in over three decades of Yakurr Council’s existence. This glaring imbalance cannot be ignored any longer, especially as we prepare for the next council elections.
Where Is the Fairness? Where Is the Justice?
For far too long, the political landscape in Yakurr has been shaped by a select few wards, while others, like Assiga and Nyima, have been left out of critical decision-making positions. How can we claim to represent the spirit of Yakurr—built on unity, shared values, and brotherhood—when entire communities are denied their rightful place at the table?
Assiga, in particular, has stood as a loyal and peaceful community, contributing significantly to the stability and cohesion of the Yakurr Local Government Area. Yet, despite this, Assiga has been consistently overlooked when it comes to political representation at the highest local level. It is time for Yakurr’s political leaders, especially those from Ugep, Ekori, Nko, and Mkpani, to address this injustice. If Assiga lacks the financial power or the overwhelming voting numbers, does that mean our brothers in these other communities are unwilling to embody the true Yakurr spirit of love, equity, and justice?
What Do We Stand For as Yakurr?
If Yakurr is truly about fairness and inclusiveness, if we truly believe in the principles of justice that we proudly proclaim during cultural celebrations like Leboku, then we must back these words with action. What is the point of sharing deities, celebrating traditions, and calling ourselves a united people if we cannot extend that unity to political representation? What makes us Yakurr if we allow certain wards to be perpetually marginalized while others monopolize leadership?
Assiga and Nyima have never been given the opportunity to lead the Yakurr Council. This is not just an oversight—it is an injustice that needs to be corrected. The upcoming leadership selection offers a chance for Yakurr to show that we are indeed a people who believe in fairness and equality, not just in rhetoric but in action.
The Path Forward: Support Assiga and Nyima
We call on the APC stakeholders and all political leaders in Yakurr to reflect on the history of leadership in our local government. It is time for a new narrative, one that includes all communities and wards in the leadership of Yakurr. Supporting Assiga Ward to produce the next local government chairman is not just a political decision—it is a moral one. It is a decision that will demonstrate that Yakurr stands for justice, inclusivity, and fairness.
To continue excluding Assiga and Nyima from leadership is to perpetuate a legacy of inequality. Now is the time to correct that legacy and ensure that Yakurr remains a beacon of unity and shared purpose.
Yakurr has the chance to prove that it is truly a community where every voice counts and where every ward matters. Supporting Assiga for the next council leadership is the path to justice, unity, and fairness. Let us seize this opportunity to bring about the change we so desperately need.
Assiga and Nyima are ready. Now it’s time for Yakurr to show that it stands for fairness and justice.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Parallel News TV or its affiliates.
Emmanuel Onwuka