ZONING IN ANGIABA-BEGIAKA: Why Kubong-Bette Should Produce the Next Chairman of Obudu
By Ikpe Emmanuel Bekwapu
Atiekpe, Urban ward 1
As the race for the Chairmanship of Obudu Local Government Area hots up, it is essential to revisit the principles of zoning that have historically shaped the leadership of our LGA. Zoning has been a tool for ensuring equity, fairness, and balance among the various communities of Obudu, giving each the opportunity to contribute to the governance and development of our dear local government. In this current election cycle, the focus naturally shifts to Angiaba-Begiaka ward, which is next in line to produce the next Chairman of Council. However, within Angiaba-Begiaka, it is Kubong-Bette that has never had the chance to produce a leader, that now deserves the Chairmanship.
The zoning arrangement in Obudu has been critical in maintaining political harmony and promoting equitable representation among the various communities. Since its adoption in 1991, the system has ensured that leadership does not remain concentrated in one group, but rotates among the different political blocs. This structure is key to fostering a sense of inclusion and ensuring that all communities have a voice in shaping the future of Obudu.
Over the years, Angiaba-Begiaka ward has benefited from this arrangement, but it has largely been the Bedia and Okorshie communities that have reaped the rewards. From the House of Representatives seat held by Hon. Emma Ibeshi in 1992/93, to Dr. Abu Godwin Undiandeye tenure as Chairman of Obudu LGA in 1997/98, to High Chief Tony Undiandeye as Chairman in 2004/2005, to Hon. Steve and Abbey Ukpenkpen’s two terms in the State House of Assembly all from Bedia community, Hon Chief Peter B Ikwen (late) in the house of representative 1982/83 from Okorshie, leadership roles have consistently gone to Bedia and Okorshie. Now, Begiaka occupies the paramount ruler position.
While these communities have undoubtedly served Obudu well, the time has come to honor the spirit of zoning by allowing Kubong-Bette, which has been steadfast in its support, to produce the next Chairman of Obudu LGA. This is not only a matter of fairness but also of recognizing the contributions Kubong-Bette has made to the political successes of Angiaba-Begiaka ward.
Kubong-Bette has been a loyal and active participant in the political landscape of Obudu, consistently playing a key role in ensuring the success of the ward in various elections. Under the leadership of Hon. Emmanuel Akwagiobe, the community has helped shape winning strategies, ensuring that the ward remains a powerful and united political force.
Despite this, Kubong-Bette has yet to be given the opportunity to produce a leader from Angiaba-Begiaka ward. The zoning arrangement, which was designed to promote fairness, must now be extended to Kubong-Bette. By doing so, we will not only uphold the principles of equity but also strengthen the sense of unity and inclusion that has been the hallmark of Obudu’s political culture.
While we focus on the Kubong-Bette chairmanship, it is also important to acknowledge that the community has a candidate who is more than capable of leading Obudu LGA. Hon. Emmanuel Undipeye Akwagiobe is a seasoned grassroots leader whose wealth of experience is well-known across Obudu. His deep understanding of the community’s needs, coupled with his commitment to public service, makes him the perfect fit in this equation to serve as Chairman of Obudu LGA.
The call for Kubong-Bette to produce the next Chairman is not just about following the zoning arrangement—it is about fairness, equity, and the continued development of Obudu. By allowing Kubong-Bette its rightful place in leadership, we ensure that every community in Angiaba-Begiaka ward feels included in the political process. This is key to fostering unity, strengthening political cooperation and ensuring that Obudu continues to progress.
As we look toward the future, it is important that we uphold the values that have guided us through the years. Zoning was instituted to promote balance and fairness, and now is the time to apply those principles in Angiaba-Begiaka ward by supporting Kubong-Bette in the upcoming election.ZONING IN ANGIABA-BEGIAKA: Why Kubong-Bette Should Produce the Next Chairman of Obudu LGA.
By Ikpe Emmanuel Bekwapu
Atiekpe
Urban ward 1
Obudu LGA
As the race for the Chairmanship of Obudu Local Government Area hots up, it is essential to revisit the principles of zoning that have historically shaped the leadership of our LGA. Zoning has been a tool for ensuring equity, fairness, and balance among the various communities of Obudu, giving each the opportunity to contribute to the governance and development of our dear local government. In this current election cycle, the focus naturally shifts to Angiaba-Begiaka ward, which is next in line to produce the next Chairman of Council. However, within Angiaba-Begiaka, it is Kubong-Bette that has never had the chance to produce a leader, that now deserves the Chairmanship.
The zoning arrangement in Obudu has been critical in maintaining political harmony and promoting equitable representation among the various communities. Since its adoption in 1991, the system has ensured that leadership does not remain concentrated in one group, but rotates among the different political blocs. This structure is key to fostering a sense of inclusion and ensuring that all communities have a voice in shaping the future of Obudu.
Over the years, Angiaba-Begiaka ward has benefited from this arrangement, but it has largely been the Bedia and Okorshie communities that have reaped the rewards. From the House of Representatives seat held by Hon. Emma Ibeshi in 1992/93, to Dr. Abu Godwin Undiandeye tenure as Chairman of Obudu LGA in 1997/98, to High Chief Tony Undiandeye as Chairman in 2004/2005, to Hon. Steve and Abbey Ukpenkpen’s two terms in the State House of Assembly all from Bedia community, Hon Chief Peter B Ikwen (late) in the house of representative 1982/83 from Okorshie, leadership roles have consistently gone to Bedia and Okorshie. Now, Begiaka occupies the paramount ruler position.
While these communities have undoubtedly served Obudu well, the time has come to honor the spirit of zoning by allowing Kubong-Bette, which has been steadfast in its support, to produce the next Chairman of Obudu LGA. This is not only a matter of fairness but also of recognizing the contributions Kubong-Bette has made to the political successes of Angiaba-Begiaka ward.
Kubong-Bette has been a loyal and active participant in the political landscape of Obudu, consistently playing a key role in ensuring the success of the ward in various elections. Under the leadership of Hon. Emmanuel Akwagiobe, the community has helped shape winning strategies, ensuring that the ward remains a powerful and united political force.
Despite this, Kubong-Bette has yet to be given the opportunity to produce a leader from Angiaba-Begiaka ward. The zoning arrangement, which was designed to promote fairness, must now be extended to Kubong-Bette. By doing so, we will not only uphold the principles of equity but also strengthen the sense of unity and inclusion that has been the hallmark of Obudu’s political culture.
While we focus on the Kubong-Bette chairmanship, it is also important to acknowledge that the community has a candidate who is more than capable of leading Obudu LGA. Hon. Emmanuel Undipeye Akwagiobe is a seasoned grassroots leader whose wealth of experience is well-known across Obudu. His deep understanding of the community’s needs, coupled with his commitment to public service, makes him the perfect fit in this equation to serve as Chairman of Obudu LGA.
The call for Kubong-Bette to produce the next Chairman is not just about following the zoning arrangement—it is about fairness, equity, and the continued development of Obudu. By allowing Kubong-Bette its rightful place in leadership, we ensure that every community in Angiaba-Begiaka ward feels included in the political process. This is key to fostering unity, strengthening political cooperation and ensuring that Obudu continues to progress.
As we look toward the future, it is important that we uphold the values that have guided us through the years. Zoning was instituted to promote balance and fairness, and now is the time to apply those principles in Angiaba-Begiaka ward by supporting Kubong-Bette in the upcoming election.
