The international presidential candidate in the Essu Nlap Oro 2024 election, Ulap Emmanuel Ntekim, has criticised the outcome of the election that produced the Chief Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Member representing Mbo State Constituency, Effiong Johnson, as International President of the organisation.
Ntekim described the emergence of Effiong Johnson as an action that undermines the sovereignty of Oro youths across Oro Nation, and called on him to resign from the position and relinquish it to him, whom he described as the sole winner and the choice of the youths.
Speaking on the development, Ntekim, who is the immediate past President of Essu Nlap Oro, Rivers State Branch, said Effiong Johnson does not qualify to occupy the position of International President of the apex youth organisation in Oro Nation, describing his emergence as illegal and unconstitutional.
In a release jointly signed by the Publicity Secretary, Ulap Ita Mberekong, and the Campaign Council of Ulap Emmanuel Ntekim, and made available to Planet News, Ntekim expressed confidence that he would be declared winner through a court ruling. He stated that he is prepared to challenge Effiong Johnson’s emergence in court if he fails to resign and step down from the position within 48 hours.
Ntekim further insisted that he would not be deprived of the opportunity to lead Essu Nlap Oro, alleging that Effiong Johnson has never been a member of the organisation, has never served on its National Executive Council, and is above the age of 60, which he said contravenes the organisation’s constitution.
He called on Oro youths to rise up and defend their rights and future, stressing that the leadership of Essu Nlap Oro must reflect the will and constitutional provisions of the organisation.