A Civil Liberty Organisation in Akwa Ibom State, Oron Youth Movement, has protested the perceived imbalance in the nomination of commissioners and special advisers as it affects Oron ethnic nationality in the state.

In a protest letter addressed to the state governor, Umo Eno, the group urged him to revisit the list to give Oron a fair representation, befitting its status as the third largest ethnic group in the state.

The letter made available to our correspondent in Uyo, the state capital, on Saturday was jointly signed by the group’s National President, Edet Eyo, National Secretary, Edet Iyahakwa, National Director, Media and Publicity, Victor Obiosio and the National Director of Women Affairs, Sylvia Ekpot.

Others who also signed the letter include the National Director of Security and Special Duties, Oyokunyi Umoh and the National Director of Organisation & Mobilisation, Emmanuel Essang.

The state governor had recently sent a list of 27 commissioners and special adviser nominees to the state House of Assembly, urging the lawmakers to give the list a prompt response.

However, the group said a critical evaluation of the list revealed a glaring imbalance with the Ibibios having 17 nominees, Annang seven, while the Oron ethnic group got two nominees with Eastern Obolo/Ibeno getting one nominee.

The group expressed disappointment that such inequitable distribution is a reflection of the systemic marginalisation being suffered by the Oron people in the state.

The letter dated February 12, 2025, partly read, “We, the Oron Youth Movement, write to express our utmost disappointment and disillusionment with your recent nomination of 27 commissioners and special advisers in Akwa Ibom State.


https://punchng.com/youths-decry-ethnic-imbalance-in-aibom-commissioner-adviser-nominations/