Ending ghost representation in Ukelle politics for meaningful development

By James Lukpata

It is commonly said that “in politics, it’s either you win or learn”. But this axiom is yet to fits appropriately in the situation of Ukelle political struggle as they continue to grapple with ghost representation in an attempt to justify one’s right of indigeneship.

The Ukelle political struggle has been characterised with unnecessary sentiments, betrayals, lack of clear cut vision, poor negotiation, and hatred among others.

For over three decades now, the people of Ukelle nation that constitute Yala II state constituency in Cross River State have been in active political struggle. Yet, there is nothing tangible to show for it in terms of democratic dividends and government presence.

The area has produced the first paramount ruler of Yala LGA, first female commissioner in Cross River state, and other positions like chairman civil service commission, commissioners for works, environment, local government and chieftaincy affairs, new cities development, economic youths and empowerment etc.

Yet the constituency remains underdeveloped in all facets. No government presence in the constituency while there is dearth of infrastructure even though the people participate in every election.

Currently, Ukelle, the Yala II state constituency has what can be described as two ghosts representatives. One is Hon Cynthia Nkasi, member, Cross River State House of Assembly while the other is Hon Felicia Undelikwo, the vice-chairperson of Yala LGA.

There are basically two school of thoughts that have advanced reasons why they have been chosen to represent.

One of these school of thoughts argued that even though the duo got married outside Yalla II constituency they still have right to represent Ukelle in any capacity because they hailed from there.

The other school of thought maintained that for the fact that both Hon Udelikwo and Nkasi hail from Ukelle does not give them automatic right to represent Ukelle in such capacity since they have gotten married outside the constituency.

This goes to say that the Ukelle people have committed a plunder whether directly or indirectly by not consulting widely before settling on the duo as they can not simultaneously be present in Ukelle Obudu and Akwa Ibom State respectively. Hence, the broken link between the grassroots and the representatives.

Note that if such vintage positions as listed above have not been able to impact positively on Ukelle’s development or place Ukelle on the path of progress, there is definitely no need to have ghost representation as they will continue to widen the gap between the grassroots and the government.

Ukelle must as a matter of urgency development a template that will ensure it selects those that will represent her in government after consideration to accessibility, capacity, integrity and political will to serve among others.