By ETEBONG AKPAN
The debate over zoning in Ibiono Ibom has resurfaced ahead of the next electoral cycle, drawing attention to questions of fairness, representation, and leadership. Mr Moses Essien, who represents the constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, has entered the discussion with a position that places less emphasis on rotation, zoning and more on demonstrable impact.
Essien argues that the constituency has, over time, produced representatives from its various blocs. Ibiono Ibom local government area or state constituency has five political blocs of North . South, Central Eastern and Western Ibiono Ibom . All the zones according to him had been represented in the state House of assembly starting from Senator Ita Solomom Enang from the Eastern bloc . In his view, this history weakens the case for insisting on zoning as the primary basis for determining who should occupy the seat going forward. He maintains that the more pressing issue is whether leadership has translated into meaningful outcomes for the people.
According to him, zoning can serve as a useful principle when applied consistently, but it loses credibility when it is invoked selectively. He notes that some of the voices currently calling for rotation were not equally vocal about equity when previous arrangements favoured them. This, he suggests, raises concerns about the sincerity of the current agitation.
For Essien, the question of representation is closely tied to performance. He believes that the electorate is more interested in tangible improvements in their lives than in the geographical origin of their representative. In this context, he frames his second term ambition as a continuation of ongoing efforts rather than a departure from an established order.
Since assuming office, Essien says he has undertaken a range of initiatives focused on healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. He estimates that over one hundred million naira has been committed to various intervention programmes across the constituency.
A significant portion of this effort has gone into medical outreach programmes. These initiatives have provided free consultations, treatment for common illnesses such as malaria, and access to medications. In more complex cases, the outreach has supported surgeries for constituents who would otherwise be unable to afford them. Essien states that these programmes have reached thousands of residents and have relied on the involvement of qualified medical professionals, including specialists who collaborate with local practitioners.
Beyond healthcare, the lawmaker highlights his investment in economic support for constituents. He has facilitated the distribution of vehicles to some beneficiaries, describing this as a means of creating livelihood opportunities. He has also supported students through scholarships and educational grants, aimed at reducing financial barriers to learning.
In the area of skills development, Essien says his office has sponsored training programmes in trades such as tailoring, welding, mechanics, and other vocational fields. He adds that beneficiaries were not only trained but also provided with starter packs, including tools and equipment needed to begin work immediately. The intention, he explains, is to ensure that training leads directly to income generation.
These interventions, he argues, reflect an approach to representation that prioritizes practical outcomes. While acknowledging that such efforts do not address all the needs of the constituency, he maintains that they demonstrate a commitment to improving living conditions in measurable ways.
At the same time, Essien recognises that structural issues remain. He points to disparities in the recognition of villages and clans within the constituency, noting that some areas with a large number of villages are grouped under relatively few clans, while others with fewer settlements have broader recognition. This, he says, has implications for identity, access to opportunities, and the distribution of resources.
In response, he has raised the matter at the State House of Assembly, calling for a review of existing arrangements. The aim, he explains, is to ensure that administrative structures more accurately reflect the composition of local communities. He describes this effort as part of a broader attempt to address longstanding imbalances.
Essiens political journey has also attracted attention. Having moved across party lines from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to the Young Progressive Party YPP and back to the PDP but now to the All Progressives Congress, he presents these shifts as part of a pragmatic approach to politics. He argues that party affiliation, while important, does not override the responsibility to deliver results for constituents.
He maintains that the expectations of the electorate remain largely the same regardless of party platform. These expectations, he says, centre on access to basic services, opportunities for economic advancement, and responsive representation. In this regard, he emphasises the importance of maintaining direct engagement with constituents, including regular interactions and participation in community activities.
On the broader question of government programmes, Essien offers a mixed assessment. He acknowledges that empowerment and training initiatives have produced some positive outcomes, with beneficiaries applying acquired skills to support themselves. However, he also notes that access to these programmes is not always evenly distributed. According to him, individuals with better information or stronger networks are often better positioned to benefit, while those at the grassroots may be left out.
He suggests that improving inclusiveness should be a priority for policymakers, with greater attention paid to ensuring that interventions reach those who need them most. In his view, the effectiveness of such programmes should be measured not only by their scale but also by their impact on vulnerable populations.
Essien also addresses the role of political loyalty in the distribution of benefits. He argues that governance should not be tied to electoral support, stating that all citizens have a right to benefit from public programmes regardless of their political preferences. This, he says, is essential for building trust and promoting a sense of shared ownership in governance.
Looking ahead to national politics, Essien comments on the prospects of the ruling All Progressives Congress. He notes that incumbency provides certain advantages, including access to established structures and visibility. However, he cautions that these advantages are not sufficient on their own. Performance in key areas such as security and economic management, as well as internal cohesion within the party, will play a significant role in determining electoral outcomes.
He also observes that the strength of the opposition will depend on its level of unity. A fragmented opposition, he suggests, tends to favour the ruling party, while a coordinated effort could create a more competitive environment.
Within Ibiono Ibom, however, the immediate focus remains on the question of representation. Essiens position is that zoning should not be treated as an absolute requirement but as one of several considerations in the selection of leaders. He argues that an overemphasis on rotation risks overlooking the importance of competence and continuity.
For voters, the decision may ultimately come down to how they weigh these factors. The ongoing debate reflects broader tensions between principles of fairness and demands for effective governance. As the constituency approaches another electoral cycle, these issues are likely to remain central to political discussions.
Essiens contribution to the debate underscores the complexity of balancing inclusion with performance. While opinions differ on the role of zoning, his argument points to a growing emphasis on outcomes as a basis for political legitimacy. Whether this perspective will resonate with the electorate remains to be seen, but it adds a distinct voice to an evolving conversation about leadership in Ibiono Ibom.
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