Obudu local government is one of the LGA in Cross River State with a well-organized rotational or zoning formula since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999 to date, covering both appointive and elective positions.
Obudu Local Government has two blocs, namely the Bette Constituency and the Utukalu Constituency. The position of the State House of Assembly has been rotating between these two blocs.
In 1999, Hon. Dr. Gabriel Adah (former Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly) served one term from June 1999 to June 2003.
Hon. Agwu Victor from the Bette bloc equally served one term from June 2003 to June 2007. Hon. Barr. Jerry Martins Agba contested, won, and also served one term from June 2007 to June 2011.
In 2015, it was the turn of the Bette bloc to represent the local government in the State House of Assembly. However, the then Governor, His Excellency Senator Liyel Imoke, who was also the leader of the party, insisted that his loyal son, the late Hon. Steve Ukpukpen (of blessed memory), should contest from the Bette bloc. He subsequently completed two terms.
The Utukalu bloc remained loyal and patient for a good eight years until late Hon. Godwin Akwaji completed one term in June 2023.
At this point, the two blocs (Bette and Utukalu) have successfully spent twelve years each.
Hon. Sylvester Agabi Jr., the present Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA), is beginning a fresh era of rotation of two terms, as has been enjoyed by her sister bloc (Bette).
We should sustain the gentleman’s agreement and promote the political harmony for which we are known in the state.
We should also graduate to a two-term structure for the local government chairmanship position, as is enjoyed by state governors and members of parliament. This would not only bring development but also ensure peace and harmony within the local government area.
This has happened in Obanliku Local Government Area (Hon. Sunny Achunekang) and Bekwarra Local Government Area (Hon. Legor Idagbor).
Obudu political elites have always exhibited maturity and a strong sense of justice in their decision-making processes from time immemorial.
As the countdown begins, all stakeholders are encouraged to play politics with a human face.
