2027: A’Ibom residents urged to remain politically vigilant, make informed choices

The Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement (AILM), a socio-political group in Akwa Ibom State, has called on residents to critically assess the political activities of the Conference of Former Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State branch. The group made the call in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Akparawa Prince Emmanuel Sam, […]

The Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement (AILM), a socio-political group in Akwa Ibom State, has called on residents to critically assess the political activities of the Conference of Former Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State branch.

The group made the call in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Akparawa Prince Emmanuel Sam, and made available to journalists on Friday.

In the statement, AILM expressed concern over the recent meeting of the former speakers, during which the group reportedly adopted President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno for support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the statement, the group questioned the rationale behind the endorsement and urged Akwa Ibom people to evaluate the political relevance and track record of public officeholders before offering support in future elections.

AILM also highlighted a number of legislative issues it said required more public engagement from political leaders, including the pending Akwa Ibom State Youth Development Fund Bill, which seeks to establish a dedicated funding mechanism for youth empowerment programmes, as well as the domestication of the Disability Act of 2018.

The statement further referenced past legislative decisions such as the Pension Bill of 2014 and the Traditional Rulers Law, Cap. 155 of Akwa Ibom State, 2022 (as amended), noting that citizens should continue to hold policymakers accountable for laws affecting governance and welfare in the state.

AILM urged residents to remain politically vigilant and to make informed choices in the buildup to the 2027 general elections.

Part of the release read: “We have observed with shock the news making the rounds that a group under the disguise of Conference of Former Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Branch, gathered to adopt President Bola Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno ahead of 2027 general election.”

“We are suspicious of the motive of this group of politicians with some members whom since their exit from office have been racking their mental archives to device new means of satisfying their desire to remain relevant in politics. Hence, we wish to remind Akwa Ibom people that these same politicians have failed in many instances to lend any patriotic voice to core issues of development and progress of the good people of Akwa Ibom State.”

“Therefore, Akwa Ibom people should not allow former legislators to influence their political support and voting in 2027 election. We wish to remind Akwa Ibom people that till date, Akwa Ibom State Youth Development Fund Bill which seeks to create a dedicated funding mechanism for youth development programmes and create opportunities for Akwa Ibom youths has been denied assent by the executive arm of government in Akwa Ibom State since 2019, yet for half a decade a group as Conference of Former Speakers in Akwa Ibom State has failed to speak for Akwa Ibom youths by calling on the incumbent governor to give assent to the bill.”