...As they ask who Dr Henry Archibong is working for_
By Ekpenyong Okon
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| Dr. Henry Archibong |
Tensions reached a boiling point in Itu Local Government Area on Friday, 12th July, 2024 as a protest by local youth against alleged attempt to impose an unpopular election candidate by some People's Democratic Party starlwart, turned into a full-blown mob action.
The youth, who have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the selection processes suspected to be adopted by these elders, gathered in large numbers at the Main Hall of Itu Local Government Council Secretariat, Mbak Atai; venue of a meeting said to be convened by Dr. Henry Archibong - a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency. They chanted slogans and carried placards expressing their frustration over the lack of democratic processes in the selection of the party's candidate for the upcoming local government elections.
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| Idiongo Archib |
According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated when a group of elders arrived to address the crowd. It is alleged that attempt to forcefully evict the protesting crowd by some hired thugs backed by security agents led to heated exchanges between the youth and the elders and quickly turned into physical altercations. The scene descended into chaos as more protesters joined the melee, leading to the destruction of property and several injuries.
"We are tired of being sidelined and having our voices ignored, few persons cannot sit and and unilaterally force an unpopular candidate on us. " said one of the protestors, who wished to remain anonymous. "Some of the elders are attempting to impose a candidate without any input from the younger generation, and this is not the democracy we want. We love our party and wish for our party to win, therefore we cannot fold our hands and watch a band of selfish individuals ruin our chances of success in the election ahead"
Another protester who simply identified himself as John, from Ema Itam said it was disheartening that Dr. Henry who currently serves as a Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters (Uyo Senatorial District) could convene a meeting to conduct an exercise aimed at foisting someone as candidate of the PDP in Itu Local Government Area. He disclosed that a relatively unknown person has been penciled down by these group of elders and that the people of the Local Government would continue to protest against such plan as it goes contrary to the Governor's directive that only popular candidates be fielded as the party's representative at all levels in the state.
"Who is Dr Henry Archibong working for? If he was sincere, why did he not invite all other critical stakeholders of the party from Itu Local Government for the meeting? We must ensure the proper method is applied here as our dear Governor instructed, any thing short of that will be strongly resisted". He said
John said he doubts the conveners loyalty to the Governor and party as their alleged imposition move is an aberration from the Governor's stance and every known moral standard. He questioned the moral justification for convening such a meeting when he (Henry Archibong), singlehandedly forwarded a list of four persons to His Excellency last month as possible choices, without recourse to the thought and opinion of other critical leaders.
"For instance, why the rush to convene the meeting without inviting many other major stakeholders, including the Member representing Itu State Constituency and Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem whom he knows is currently out of town". He said
Police and other law enforcement agents were called to the scene to disperse the mob. Police officers used tear gas and fired gunshots to control the situation. In the ensuing melee, the Itu Transition Committee Chairman; Barr. Etetim Onuk is rumoured to have been manhandled, one of the aspirants; Mr. Idiongo Archibong who incidentally is a younger brother to Dr. Henry Archibong sustained injuries, while some other injured persons were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Meanwhile, as the communities in Itu Local Government Area grapple with the aftermath of Friday's events, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about generational divides, free and fair processes, fielding deserving and popular candidate and the importance of inclusive governance.
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