Sir.
CORRECTING THE IMBALANCE AND MARGINALISATION AGAINST THE IGEDE PEOPLE IN YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OF CROSS RIVER STATE.
Mr. Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, allow me to begin by expressing our utmost delight and heartfelt congratulations to you and your deputy on the recent, resounding victory of September 26th, 2023, at the Governor Election Petition Tribunal, which has reaffirmed your esteemed position as the Governor of Cross River State. We are also deeply appreciative of your selfless dedication to the people of Cross River State and your unwavering commitment to upholding their mandate as your highest priority.
I trust that this letter finds you in excellent health and high spirits during this season of sweetness. It is with profound respect and a sense of responsibility that I write to draw Your Excellency’s attention to a pressing matter that pertains to the urgent need for social justice, the eradication of marginalization, exclusion, and injustice, and the imperative inclusion of the Igede people within Yala Local Government Area in the political and governance framework of our beloved state.
I commend Your Excellency’s unwavering determination and proactive approach in steering the affairs of Cross River State since assuming office. You have undoubtedly demonstrated that the “People-First” mantra is not just a slogan, but a genuine and authentic guiding principle.
It is widely acknowledged that fairness, equity, and social justice are the cornerstones of peaceful coexistence and harmonious living among individuals hailing from diverse ethnic and national backgrounds. This holds true for the Igede people, who coexist with the Yala, Ukelle, and Yache communities, collectively forming the four major nations in Yala, Cross River State.
These principles are not only vital for fostering development but also for preventing discord, bitterness, and unhealthy competition among various cultural groups in our society. Regrettably, the Igede community has faced prolonged marginalization, resulting in persistent underdevelopment that has affected every facet of our lives, perpetuating a cycle of poverty in our region.
Socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, such as the Igede, Gabu, and Itekpa in Yala L.G.A, encounter numerous challenges associated with poverty, including unemployment, insufficient or unstable income, and a higher susceptibility to adverse life experiences—issues that arise as a consequence of marginalization.
Our situation is indeed lamentable, Your Excellency, and I humbly implore your benevolent attention to this heartfelt “Save Our Soul” appeal.
To further elucidate our point, Yala Local Government is demarcated into two constituencies: Yala I and Yala II State Constituencies, with Igede people residing in both Yala 1 and Yala 2. Gabu Ward, a constituent of Yala 1, is exclusively inhabited by the Igede tribe. In Okpoma Ward, part of Yala 1, we have only three Polling Units, all falling under Itekpa, Igede. In Yala II State Constituency, we have Igede Ward, which encompasses Igede-Edii, Okpodon, and Ezekwe, housing a total of 23 Polling Units. Among these, Igede-Edii boasts 18 units, hosting the majority of registered voters in the entire wards, numbering over 21,000 individuals.
Over the years, the core Igede tribe in both Yala 1 and Yala 2 has endured systematic marginalization and exclusion from the political landscape of the state, a situation that persisted through previous administrations.
Your Excellency, the data provided underscores the glaring absence of political relevance for the Igede community, despite our substantial population and our significant contributions to the electoral process, as demonstrated by the substantial votes garnered from Igede Ward, Gabu Ward and Itekpa commmutiy in the last election that secured your victory on March 18th, 2023.
I wish to emphasize that, since the establishment of Igede Ward in Yala 2, political power has consistently oscillated between the Okpodon and Ezekwe clans, while the Igede-speaking community has consistently borne the brunt of marginalization and neglect.
It is clear, Your Excellency, that the Igede-speaking population in Yala II State Constituency has never been accorded a fair share of political opportunities, whether at the state or local government level.
In light of these circumstances, I earnestly beseech you to utilize your esteemed office, benevolent spirit, and generous heart to consider the Igede community, both in Yala 1 and Yala 2 Constituencies. We possess educated sons and daughters who are endowed with intellectual prowess and vitality, fully capable of occupying positions of responsibility in the state and the nation at large. I implore you to remember us in line with your administration’s unwavering commitment to a “People-First” agenda.
In conclusion, I extend my deepest appreciation for your kind consideration, Your Excellency, and pray for the continued blessing of your administration.
May God bless your administration!
May God bless Cross River State!!
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Thanks.
Monday O. Igiri
A Voice From Igede Ward
