By Darlington Udobong
As the countdown to the Local Government Council Elections in Akwa Ibom State progresses, political leaders and stakeholders are urged to move beyond narrow sentiments that overshadow recommendations and merit. Notably, Governor Umo Eno, during a recent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders meeting, outlined his directives for the upcoming elections, what many called the Local Government Election Riot Act. He highlighted the significant role of women, specifying that six Local Government Areas (LGAs) should have female Chairpersons (two from each Senatorial District), the Vice Chairperson positions should be exclusively for women (except where stakeholders would have strong and overriding opinion), and each LGA should have four female Councillors.
What will significantly enhance good governance and social equity should be the fulcrum. And that is promoting more women to lead the local government councils. Encouraging women in politics is not only about achieving gender equality but also about enriching political discourse and improving the overall quality of governance.
Records indicate that since 1999, only 10 women have been democratically elected to lead local government administrations in Akwa Ibom State.
With six out of 12 Local Government Areas having women Council Heads, Eket Senatorial District has shown that women leaders can effectively manage local governments. This success should be replicated in other Senatorial Districts. The six benefiting LGAs of Eket Senatorial District are Eastern Obolo (Victoria Tallick), ONNA (Hon. Owoidighe Ekpoatai), Ibeno (Lady Regina Egbe), Okobo (Princess Felicia Bassey), Urue Offong/Oruko (Precious Selong), and Udung Uko (Kenim Onofiok).
The yet-to-benefit LGAs of Eket Senatorial District are Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Eket, Esit Eket, Oron and Mbo.
Three out of nine Local Government Areas in Uyo Senatorial District have had women leaders, indicating progress and highlighting the need for increased representation. The three benefiting LGAs are Nsit Ibom (Hon. Mfon Ekong), Ibesikpo Asutan (Mrs. Akon Michael), and Nsit Atai (Lady Emem Ibanga).
The yet-to-benefit LGAs of Uyo Senatorial District are Ibiono Ibom, Itu, Uyo, Uruan, Nsit Ubium, and Etinan.
With only one woman Council Head out of 10 Local Government Areas Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District is significantly behind and could benefit more from the diverse perspectives and inclusive policies women leaders bring. The benefiting Local Government Area is Ikot Ekpene (Mrs. Gloria Use).
The yet-to-benefit LGAs of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District are Essien Udim, Obot Akara, Ini, Ikono, Ika, Etim Ekpo, Oruk Anam, Ukanafun and Abak.
Despite women constituting about half of the population in Akwa Ibom, their representation in local governance remains disproportionately low. Increasing the number of women leaders would better reflect the actual demographics. Providing women with equal opportunities to lead is essential for addressing systemic gender inequalities and fostering a culture of inclusiveness.
Women in leadership positions serve as role models, inspiring young girls and women to aim for roles of power and influence. Additionally, empowering women through leadership roles can ripple effect, motivating more women to engage in politics and community activities.
Governor Umo Eno can create a more inclusive, equitable, and effective governance structure that will benefit the state and its citizens by advancing more women to lead local government councils in Akwa Ibom State. He has pursued this goal through his Riot Act. He is, indeed, a man of the people.
