By Comrade Odok Cosmas Etta
I do not intend to start this conversation by analysing the six old clans of Boki, namely Abo, Eastern Boki, Boje, Osokom I, Osokom II and Irruan. Instead, I want to focus on Boki Constituency II, where I strongly believe it is time for the next Local Government Chairman to emerge in 2027.
For years, zoning has remained a respected tradition in Nigeria, Cross River State and Boki Local Government Area. Going by that arrangement, I believe the next council chairman should come from Boki Constituency II.
Constituency II is made up of three old clans—Osokom I, Osokom II and Irruan. Each of these clans has already produced one Local Government Chairman.
Osokom I Clan produced Hon. Joe Tate. Osokom II Clan produced Hon. Antis. Irruan Clan produced Hon. Chief Jacob Otu Enyia.
When we narrow the discussion to the ward level, the picture becomes even clearer.
Osokom I has two wards—Ogep and Ekpashi. Ogep Ward has already produced a Local Government Chairman through Hon. Joe Tate. Today, the ward also has the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Hon. Christopher Etta.
In Osokom II, Oku/Borum/Njua Ward has already produced Hon. Antis as council chairman, while Kakwagom/Bawop Ward currently has the member representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Abang.
In Irruan Clan, Buda Ward produced Hon. Chief Jacob Otu Enyia as council chairman, while Bunyia/Okubuchi Ward also produced Hon. Pastor John Ewah.
Looking at these facts, I believe one thing is obvious: Ekpashi Ward is the only ward in Boki Constituency II that has never produced a Local Government Chairman.
This is why I am making a sincere and passionate appeal to our political leaders, elders and stakeholders across Boki. Let us give Ekpashi Ward the opportunity to produce the next Chairman of Boki Local Government Council in 2027.
This appeal is not intended to create division or political tension. Rather, it is a call for fairness, equity and respect for the zoning principle that has guided our politics over the years.
I believe that allowing Ekpashi Ward to produce the next chairman will strengthen unity and reinforce the spirit of justice that Boki people have always cherished.
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