By Elijah Ugani
In what can be best described as political suanamy, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Cross River North Senatorial District received into it fold, members of the All Progressives Congress APC, during the tour of the ten wards of Obudu Local Government Area.
The People’s Democratic Party PDP, used the visible projects undertaken by Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe across the 54 wards of Northern Cross River within the last fourteen months as a model for true representation, assured the people that another four years will only expand the reach of Sen Jarigbe Agom and other candidates of the PDP.
Stakeholders from the various wards noted that Sen Ben Ayade had received the support of Obudu in 2011, 2015 and 2019 and dashed the hope and support he enjoyed, but brought untold hardship on his people.
The visibly angry, defectors lamented the ill treatment occasioned by the APC led governments at the Federal and state level, political high-handedness, lack of visible dividends of democracy, economic hardship, deceit among other things as their reasons for dumping the party.
Receiving the defectors, the State Chairman, Mr Venatius Ikem Esq, commended the boldness of the defectors and assured them of equal treatment and opportunity in the party. He charged them to be resilient and ensure that the is reclaimed from the shackles of maladministration of the APC led government under the leadership of Sen Ben Ayade.
Royal fathers at the various wards, gave their royal blessings.
The Vice Chairman of UKALU Traditional Rulers Council, HRH, Ochui Dr Obi maintained that the Alage nation is yet to feel the impact of the present administration and call on Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe to extend his constitituency intervention projects to their roads, bridges and culverts, especially the two major bridges linking Amukwong – Ngorkpu and Okikwo as well as the Okordem bridge.
Begiading Traditional Rulers Council, thanked the PDP for all she has done for the ward and noted that there is no need for campaign in the ward.
At Utugwang North, the Traditional Rulers recounted the reception accorded them by Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe during his Thanksgiving reception. They noted Sen Jarigbe’s projects and empowerments which have brought his name on the lips of the electorates, shows that he is the biblical Moses who led the of israelites out of Egypt.
Sen Jarigbe While responding at the various wards, promised to sustain the tempo as and averred that “to whom much is given, much is expected” He promised to increase the number of projects ranging from school renovation, water and street lights as well as empowerment.
Amb. Peter Akpanke, PDP Candidate For OBO Federal constituency, Chief John Okwu, Obudu State Constituency Candidate, took turns to address their teeming supporters and party faithfuls, and urged them to remain resolute and support all PDP candidates to ensure victory and more projects.