PROTEST ROCKS WARD FIVE, IPE AKOKO OVER INEQUITY IN THE CHOICE OF COUNCILORSHIP CANDIDATE FOR THE WARD
Ipe Akoko, Akoko South East Local Government, December 19, 2024.
Residents of Ward Five in Ipe Akoko have taken to the streets in peaceful protest against what they describe as a gross injustice in the selection process for the upcoming local government election’s councilorship candidate.
Ward Five, historically known for its peace and adherence to fairness, consists of four Quarters: Ilegbe, Uba, Igbede and Itoto.
Over the years, the leadership of Ward Five has upheld a zoning arrangement to ensure equity in the distribution of political offices among the Quarters. This rotation system has been instrumental in fostering unity and mutual respect among all stakeholders.
It is currently the turn of Itoto Quarters to produce the next councilor, according to the agreed zoning arrangement. However, in what has been widely perceived as a deliberate and unjust action, a faction of self-proclaimed leaders has sidelined this long-standing tradition by selecting a candidate from Uba Quarters instead.
This decision has sparked outrage among residents, who view the move as a breach of the principles of fairness and an attempt to disrupt the unity of the Ward.
The people of Ward Five are appealing to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State to urgently intervene and address this issue before it escalates further.
The failure to respect the zoning arrangement has far-reaching consequences, including:
1. Loss of Trust in Leadership: The deliberate breach of established norms undermines the trust residents have in their leaders and the party’s ability to uphold justice.
2. Internal Party Crisis: Such actions could lead to divisions within the APC in Ward Five.
3. Erosion of Peace and Unity: The peaceful coexistence that Ward Five has enjoyed for years is now threatened, as residents feel marginalized and betrayed.
We call on the APC leadership in Ondo State to uphold the integrity of the party by ensuring that the established zoning arrangement is respected.
*Justice must be served by reinstating the right of Itoto Quarters to produce the next councilor for Ward Five.*
The residents of Ward Five stand united in their resolve to defend fairness, equity and the unity of the Ward. We trust that the APC, as a party committed to democratic values, will take swift action to address this issue and restore the confidence of the people.
Signed:
Concerned Residents of Ward Five, Ipe Akoko.
