2015: Attah rejects zoning, canvasses open contest

LR: Fmr. Governor of Edo state, Mr. Lucky Igbenedion, Prof A.B Attah of University of Uyo and brother to the celebrant;the celebrant, Obong Victor B. Attah, father of Ibibio Nation;chairman on the occasion,Engr Efiok Akpan and a guest at the occasion

Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State, has called for the contest to choose a successor to Governor Godswill Akpabio to be thrown open to all citizens of the state who aspire to run for the office of governor, irrespective of their senatorial districts of origin.

Addressing a mammoth crowd at a reception organised for him on Friday at Asan Ibibio, near Uyo, Attah said providing a level playing field to all aspirants was a superior argument compared to zoning because Akwa Ibom was at such a critical juncture where “other considerations” must be accorded more weight in the choice of the next chief executive of the state.

“As I looked around, I see a number of faces here of people I know are aspiring to the office of governor of this state,” Attah said in a prepared address, copies of which were distributed to people present at the reception. “A large number of those aspirants are from Eket Senatorial District. This is as should be expected because of the sequential logic that after Uyo and Ikot Ekpene, it should be Eket.

“But there must be a level playing field for all aspirants. This is particularly true at this time when there is such a crying need to give hope back to our people: to restore their confidence in their government and to rebuild the state.

“Zoning will certainly be a major consideration, but at a time like this certain other compelling determinants cannot be sacrificed on the altar of zoning alone.”

Attah lauded his kinsmen for the honour done to him and called for unity among his people. He said the people should come together to fashion out a succession plan for orderly and rancour-free transfer of power from one set of leaders to another.

The reception for Attah, organised by Ibibio leaders and elders, was attended by dignitaries from across the nation. Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, former attorney general and minister of Justice representing Cross River State during the Obasanjo administration, was the guest speaker, who paid warm tribute to Attah for his sterling leadership qualities and enduring national achievements and as well as the legacy of his stewardship as governor of Akwa Ibom State for eight years.

Also present at the event was Lucky Igbinedion, former governor of Edo, who also delivered a goodwill message in honour of Attah.

The reception was attended by more than 1 million people who braved the heavy rain to honour the former governor.