• Otong
By Shadrach Okon
Afaha Obong Youths under the aegis of Afaha Obong Youths Movement have rejected the Third Term Bid of Elder Udeme Otong who is planning to recontest in 2027, to represent Abak State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
Speaking in a communique issued after an enlarged youth virtual meeting of Afaha Obong Youths held recently and attended by Afaha Obong sons and daughters in home and abroad, Afaha Obong Youths rejected in totality any attempt of Elder Udeme Otong to impose himself on the people of Abak State Constituency in 2027.
Afaha Obong Youths challenged Elder Udeme Otong to present his scorecard in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in the the last six years and publish names of youths of Abak State Constituency that he has empowered with sustainable means of livelihood to merit his aspiration for a third term.
“The beauty of democracy is providing dividends of democracy to the electorate. Every leader in a democracy must be ready to be accountable to his people. We challenge Elder Udeme Otong who has represented Abak State Constituency in the last six years to publish his scorecard for his constituents to appraise him. We want to know the projects he has attracted to Abak State Constituency in the last 6 years. We want to know the youths of Abak L.G.A, that Elder Udeme Otong has empowered with sustainable means of livelihood since he assumed office as a house member representing Abak State Constituency.”
The youths of Afaha Obong while briefing newsmen after the meeting rejected Speaker Udeme Otong football tournament in Afaha Obong, insisting that Abak youths deserve better things than competing in a football tournament.
Part of the communique read: “a football competition in a local Government Area dominated by unemployment and severe hardship can only unite and swear the minds of the ignorant youths.
“Abak Youths in their personal capacity have been organizing football tournament from time to time, therefore, we want Elder Udeme Otong to know that he cannot bribe Abak youths by organising a football competition. In an era of massive unemployment in Akwa Ibom State with many youths roaming on the streets without sustainable means of livelihood, we need leaders that will think outside the box to create employment opportunities for the youths in the constituency.
“In this critical time in our nation’s economy, Abak youths deserve more than a football tournament.”
The group rejected completely the insinuation that he has had a pact from superior blocks to go for third term, pointing that it is only superior record of performance to the people that is the yardstick to inspire the people of Abak to send a representative for third term but unfortunately, Mr speaker does not have such track record to woe his constituents. It is therefore in the best interest of Mr speaker’s personality that he gives Afaha Obong a chance to have their deserving representation after 20 years.
Afaha Obong Youths in their communique further insisted that a good leader does not need a decade to crystalise his vision for his people. The youths reasoned that if Elder Udeme Otong cannot provide effective representation to the people of Abak State Constituency within his 8 years as a lawmaker, he should act conscientiously by leaving the seat for another person to be tested with the same opportunity.
The communique was endorsed by Barr. Dennis Essien, Convener of Afaha Obong Youth movement, Kufre Okon Essien, the secretary of the movement and all members of Afaha Obong Youth Movement during the meeting.
