Resist “winners takes all syndrome”, include opposition in govt, ex-rep pleads

Chidi Tony| A former member of House of Representatives and the Director General of Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF) Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo has made a passionate appeal to government at all levels to consider accommodating members of the opposition in the Executive councils.

Ekperikpe Ekpo stated this in his address during the inauguration of the expanded state executive committee of the ADF over the weekend at sheer grace arena, Uyo Akwa Ibom

According to Ekpo, “It is pertinent to raise this concern at this point of our national conversation. It is routine to see the ceding of offices like minority leader, minority whip, others at levels of legislature from local government, State, and national.

These offices cater for the opposition and give them a sense of belonging. But the Executives at all levels have refused to embrace and replicate this integrational policy in their various domains”.

Ekpo a former local government Chairman further highlighted that it would be laudable to see members of opposition make the list of ministers at the national, commissioners in the State, and advisers at local government areas respectively.

“This action would give the opposition a sense of belonging and offer even more by way of integration.

“ADF respectfully urges local government chairmen, State Governors, and the President to commence this novel initiative of integration by expanding their scope of appointments to accommodate members of the opposition party. They should resist the “the winners take all” syndrome as it makes participatory democracy deficient.

He commends the Grand Leader of ADF Senator Godswill Akpabio for the courtesy visit he extended to the Acting National Secretary of All Progressives Congress Senator John Udoedeghe recently and the reciprocal visit by the latter.

“This is the type of politics we expect where rapprochement is easily considered in the interest of the people. Such politics align with development and enhances the emergence of egalitarian society that delivers the greatest good to the greatest number.

“With this mindset, we would jettison politics of hate, bigotry, and dissembling, and focus on politics of general good. This the lesson we have learnt from our Grand Leader” he highlighted.

In his words “Senator Akpabio has remained our perfect example especially in the ramifications of empathy, compassion, benevolence, forgiveness and the pursuit of peace with all men”.