by By Elijah Ugani
The former Governor of Cross River State and Chairman, PDP Campaign Council, Mr Donald Duke has commended the Ikom Traditional Rulers Council for enduring the long sufferings mated on cross riverians by the government of Sen Ben Ayade and assured them that things are going to be better.
Former Governor Duke made the remarks during the PDP consultation with the Traditional Rulers on January 19th 2023 at Ikom.
In his words “I commend you for enduring the sufferings for seven and half years and you will be stronger.
“This is the time for your all to stand up and be counted. This election would determine the next level of the state. If what has happened in the state is right, then vote for them, but if not vote wisely for the future of your children.
“We want to groom young people. But you don’t get it by sitting down and hoping for honey. Don’t wait for monthly alert and other forms of deception”
Speaking further, Duke called on community leaders to effect the needed change. “We call on community leaders to effect this change because our communities are decaying. We believe in you and your subjects.
“Sandy is the arrowhead to rescue the state at this time. It has nothing to do with where you come from. We hope with him things would be different. We need restoration and if we don’t get it right this time, we are doomed”
On his part, the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Sen Sandy Onor thanked the Ikom Traditional Rulers Council for honoring his invitation and maintained that “We came to formerly let you know that I am the official candidate of PDP.
“Chiefs are custodians of truth. The voice of the people is the voice of God. We must stand up together and repair our state.
“We have quality people and would give you quality representation.
“Old Ikom has never had the privilege or opportunity of producing a governor. And we have not done anything wrong.
“We have joined hands in the past to make others governor. So they should join hands to reciprocate our gesture. We are qualified, we have the intellectual capacity and are in the right party.
“I have been endorsed by Duke and Imoke whose years as governors were brilliant.
“And then Gov Ayade came and put the state in reverse gear instead of going forward, we are going backward. They have turned things upside down. Govt has been reduced to wururu.
“They recruit young men with no office and job description and then pay them higher than the chiefs that govern our land.
“All the APC candidates would resemble Gov Ayade. Your mandate is a value and trust. It should be used responsibly”.
