by Isabella Okon, Calabar
A death knell has sounded for the vociferous clamour by select politicians in Cross River popularly christened “Back To South” which demanded outright zoning of the governorship ticket from all political parties to the southern senatorial district ahead 2023 Elections.
The fatal blow to the clamour followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between youths from the seven local government areas in the south under the aegis of Progressive Southern Alliance and the PDP Governorship Candidate, Senator Sandy Onor in Calabar
Speaking at a Town Hall meeting with stakeholders before accenting to the MOU, the People’s Democratic Party standard bearer Senator Sandy Onor lauded the bold steps demonstrated by opinion leaders behind the initiative, stressing that sectional interest must never be allowed to scuttle concerted efforts to reclaim the state from imminent collapse .
According to him “Back to South” was a selfish concept driven by ulterior motive, intended to promote mediocrity and prolong the current decay in our dear state for mere personal interest of some few elites. Anyone with genuine interest in the well-being of Cross River State would never support the current administration to perpetuate itself in power under any guise.”
“We can not sacrifice competent ,experience, dexterity,academic prowess and charisma on the altar on ethnicity. We have outgrown such myopic persuasions. Besides, I am an Ejaham man from Akamkpa maternally, therefore, I am eminently qualified in all ramifications. I am indeed the best candidate in terns of education,experience, exposure and charisma”
Senator Onor stressed that” I have been a reliable and trusted friend of the Efiks, in 1998 when some prominent politicians in All People’s Party APP then ganged up that an Efik man can never be a governor, Prof Eyo Etim Nyong who emerged as the APP Governorship candidate was replaced with Mark Ukpo overnight ,though I was in APP, I mobilized men and resources in Central and Northern parts of this state to support Mr Donald Duke of PDP because I saw potentials in him. That was how Donald became our governor in 1999.You can verify from them. Let’s dwell on issues that unite and accelerate the development of our state. I would be a governor for all”
In her remarks, the Deputy Governorship Candidate , Emana Ambrose Amanhwe said it was time for the south to mainstream its interest in the incoming administration in order to guarantee attainment of peculiar issue affecting the the senatorial district.
In his address, the coordinator of the Progressive Southern Alliance Asuquo Bassey Solomon revealed that the initiative was meant to provide a platform to address misconceptions and paved the way for an all inclusive government while foisting a united front to guarantee victory at the poll in 2023.
Parts of the MOU stipulate revamping of the tourism sector of the state, Tinapa, Obudu Resort , jobs creation, good governance and key roles for supporters from all PDP Governorship aspirants in the campaign organization.
Professor Offiong Ani, Bobby Effiom Ekpenyong, Esu Coco Bassey, Asuquo Solomon among others facilitated the summit.
