Ita-Giwa: Why I am Supporting Current Zoning Formula in Cross River State

By Jonathan Eze

Former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matter, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, has urged leaders and stakeholders in Cross River State not to alter the current zoning arrangement in the state by allowing Governor Ben Ayade to run for another term so that another zone can produce the next governor in 2023.

 The Bakassi leader stated this at the weekend in reaction to a reported meeting held at her Calabar residence, arguing that the power zoning formula in the state is the only guarantee the numerically challenged groups in the state have against political marginalisation.

 She also rallied support for the industrial revolution initiative of the governor, affirming that having been personally taken round the projects, she is convinced that it is the surest path to develop the state and make it economically viable.

 The statement read: “I wish to restate my commitment to work for the peace, progress and development of Cross River State and emphatically declares that it is well within my right, and indeed I consider it my duty as a political and community leader in the state to intervene at any time I feel that things are not going on well in the state.

 “Indeed, recent events within the political space in the state is a cause for concern because if care is not taken, the state could degenerate into a political war by one of the two major parties in the state.

“It is my view that the power zoning formula in the state is the only guarantee that numerically challenged groups in the state have against political marginalisation.

 “I am therefore of the opinion that nothing should be done to upset the arrangement in the state. I make no apologies for accepting my appointment as the official ambassador for the Cross River State Industrial Revolution initiative.

 “The meeting in my residence was to brief leaders of the southern senatorial zone of the viability of the Ayade industrial development initiative. Having been personally conducted on a tour of the project by the governor, I am convinced that the initiative will fast-track the development of the state, and thus I invited the leaders in the zone to support the laudable initiative.

 “I also wish to state that we had no discussions about the deputy governorship ticket of the state, and wish to make it clear that I owe no one any explanations even if I did.

 “As a very busy individual, I do not need the office of the deputy governor to impact positively on the fortunes of the state or to support the governor in the development of the state.  I am very comfortable using the political platform as a leader to advance my avowed desire to serve humanity.”