RismadarVoice Reporters, April 27, 2026
A political group, Udesi Progressive Alliance for Good Governance, has formally rejected what it describes as an alleged third-term bid by Effiong Etim Johnson, the lawmaker representing Mbo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
In a strongly worded petition addressed to Governor Umo Bassey Eno, the group expressed “deep dissatisfaction” over what it called an attempt to extend Johnson’s tenure beyond two terms, warning that such a move could destabilise the political balance within Mbo Local Government Area.
The petition, signed by community stakeholders including Jonathan Ebek, Alphonsus Isangedighi, Oduobit Johnson and Okon Edet Esu, outlined a series of grievances against the lawmaker, ranging from alleged abuse of office to claims of political exclusion.
The group traced Johnson’s political trajectory from his emergence as the first elected chairman of Mbo Local Government Area in 1999 under the Peoples Democratic Party to his current position in the State Assembly, where he is serving a second term.
They argued that allowing him to secure another term would amount to political domination by a single individual and community, contrary to the rotational arrangement among Mbo communities.
According to the petitioners, such an outcome would significantly delay Udesi Ward’s chances of producing another representative, potentially for decades, based on existing zoning precedents.
The group further accused Johnson of leveraging his position to influence appointments, including that of his younger brother as Special Assistant to the Governor on Project Monitoring.
They also alleged his involvement in the controversial disposal of scrap materials from the Udesi Bridge, claiming that proceeds declared to the community fell short of the asset’s estimated value.
In addition, the petition criticised Johnson’s leadership record, alleging a lack of visible constituency projects and limited impact in both infrastructural and human capital development since his tenure as council chairman and legislator.
The group urged Governor Eno to intervene and prevent what it described as a looming political crisis in Mbo, warning that tensions arising from the situation could escalate if left unresolved.
Citing the governor’s past interventions in resolving political disputes across the state, the petitioners appealed for fairness and inclusivity in political appointments and representation.
They referenced precedents where political actors who completed two terms were reassigned to other roles rather than extended in the same office, calling for similar standards to be applied in the current situation.
While stressing their commitment to peace, the group warned that the alleged ambition has already begun to create divisions among communities in Mbo.
They called on all stakeholders to prioritise stability, echoing sentiments attributed to former President Goodluck Jonathan that political ambition should not come at the cost of human lives.
Udesi Stakeholders Reject Effiong Johnson’s Third Term Bid
A political group, Udesi Progressive Alliance for Good Governance, has formally rejected what it describes as an alleged third-term bid by Effiong Etim Johnson, the lawmaker representing Mbo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
In a strongly worded petition addressed to Governor Umo Bassey Eno, the group expressed “deep dissatisfaction” over what it called an attempt to extend Johnson’s tenure beyond two terms, warning that such a move could destabilise the political balance within Mbo Local Government Area.
The petition, signed by community stakeholders including Jonathan Ebek, Alphonsus Isangedighi, Oduobit Johnson and Okon Edet Esu, outlined a series of grievances against the lawmaker, ranging from alleged abuse of office to claims of political exclusion.
The group traced Johnson’s political trajectory from his emergence as the first elected chairman of Mbo Local Government Area in 1999 under the Peoples Democratic Party to his current position in the State Assembly, where he is serving a second term.
They argued that allowing him to secure another term would amount to political domination by a single individual and community, contrary to the rotational arrangement among Mbo communities.
According to the petitioners, such an outcome would significantly delay Udesi Ward’s chances of producing another representative, potentially for decades, based on existing zoning precedents.
The group further accused Johnson of leveraging his position to influence appointments, including that of his younger brother as Special Assistant to the Governor on Project Monitoring.
They also alleged his involvement in the controversial disposal of scrap materials from the Udesi Bridge, claiming that proceeds declared to the community fell short of the asset’s estimated value.
In addition, the petition criticised Johnson’s leadership record, alleging a lack of visible constituency projects and limited impact in both infrastructural and human capital development since his tenure as council chairman and legislator.
The group urged Governor Eno to intervene and prevent what it described as a looming political crisis in Mbo, warning that tensions arising from the situation could escalate if left unresolved.
Citing the governor’s past interventions in resolving political disputes across the state, the petitioners appealed for fairness and inclusivity in political appointments and representation.
They referenced precedents where political actors who completed two terms were reassigned to other roles rather than extended in the same office, calling for similar standards to be applied in the current situation.
While stressing their commitment to peace, the group warned that the alleged ambition has already begun to create divisions among communities in Mbo.
They called on all stakeholders to prioritise stability, echoing sentiments attributed to former President Goodluck Jonathan that political ambition should not come at the cost of human lives.
