Says: “Though I’m from Ikono Middle, I stand for justice”
By Ime Silas
The clamour for equity, justice and fairness in Ikono State Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections received a major boost on Wednesday, as Prince Effiong Ekpo declared that it is the turn of Ediene Itak to produce the next member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for Ikono.
Prince Ekpo, who made the declaration during a chat with our correspondent on the sidelines of Danielson’s consultative visits, said the decision to support Danielson is anchored on the principles of zoning and justice, which he said must be respected if Ikono is to remain united and peaceful.
“Though I’m from Ikono Middle, I stand for justice,” Prince Ekpo said.
He explained that although he’s from the Ikono Middle axis, he cannot in good conscience support any arrangement that would deny Ediene Itak its rightful turn to represent the constituency in 2027.
According to him, Ikono State Constituency is made up of three zones that have an understanding on rotation of the House of Assembly seat, and it is now the turn of Ediene Itak to take its shot.
“It’s the turn of Ediene Itak. That’s why we’ll support Danielson,” he declared.
Prince Effiong Ekpo explained further that aside from being favoured by zoning, the former NANS National President has all it takes to represent effectively the entire Ikono State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in 2027.
He described Danielson as a tested and trusted leader, a grassroots mobilizer and a youth-friendly candidate with the capacity, exposure and experience to give Ikono a quality representation.
According to Prince Ekpo, Danielson’s track record as a former National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) speaks volumes about his leadership ability, courage and commitment to the welfare of the people.
He noted that during his tenure as NANS President, Danielson stood for students and youths across the country, fought for their rights and built bridges across ethnic and political divides, qualities he said are needed in the State House of Assembly.
“Danielson is not just a product of zoning. He is competent, he is exposed, he is accessible and he understands the pains and aspirations of our people. He will not disappoint Ikono if given the mandate,” Prince Ekpo said.
He urged the people of Ikono, particularly stakeholders from Ikono Middle and other zones, to put aside selfish interests and support the zoning arrangement in the interest of peace, unity and fairness.
He warned that any attempt to truncate the zoning arrangement would create disunity, bitterness and mistrust among the people of the constituency.
Prince Ekpo also commended the Paramount Ruler, HRM Edidem Etim Nnana, for his fatherly role and for receiving Danielson and his team warmly during the consultative visit.
He said the blessings of the traditional institution remain critical to the success of any political aspiration in Ikono, and expressed confidence that Danielson’s consultation would yield positive results.
He called on youths, women, elders and all lovers of justice in Ikono to rally round Danielson and ensure that Ediene Itak takes its turn in 2027.
“Justice is justice, no matter where you come from. I am from Ikono Middle, but I stand for justice. Ediene Itak must be allowed to take its turn,” he reiterated.
The consultative visit to the Paramount Ruler, the Ukpap Ikot Idang Village Council and Danielson’s family was described by observers as a significant step in his journey to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.