by By Elijah Ugani
The gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, in Cross River State, Sen Sandy Onor, has stated that Gov Ben Ayade is a stranger in Cross River politics, that is why he (Ayade) and the APC under his leadership cannot connect to the people.
Sen Onor made the assertion during a town hall meeting with stakeholders of Akpabuyo local government area as part of activities for the party campaign ahead of the general elections.
Onor who was responding to the stakeholder’s complains of disconnect between the government of Sen Ben Ayade and the people, averred that “Ayade was never part of our political culture. He doesn’t understand it. I can tell you the metamorphosis of not less than 10 persons in Akpabuyo. Ayade is a stranger and that is why he cannot connect to the people, and since he does not connect with the people, he cannot not solve the very simple problems that matters to them. Government is not about sitting in Calabar and deciding whatever we want to do. When I become governor by God’s grace we will sit with you in town hall meetings and listen to you.
“We can see the momentum. I have no doubt in my mind that Akpabuyo is PDP. In the last bye-election, despite the many things that happened, you won. You win yesterday, you will win today and win again tomorrow.
“We are thankful to you, whenever we are analysing our strength, we have never undermined Akpabuyo. I assure you Akpabuyo will be at the center. Akpabuyo is easily becoming a bigger development spot.
“Your son Artur Javi’s has brought a university to Akpabuyo, this is development. We would Work with you, traditional leaders and all that matters to crack down this security.
“The people of Bakassi complained that their Chairman and councilors stay in Calabar.
Be rest assured that we will resurcitate the local government and make it functional, and the Chairman as well as your councilors will all stay here with you.
“Our youths be strong, APC know that our people are not happy with them
They will want to intimidate you, please resit them. The second thing is that they will want to buy vote, it is too late. Their candidate don’t know how to tear themselves from the cobweb of Ayade. Ayade represents deception and darkness.
“Akpabuyo is blessed, we have great leaders. Dr Ekeng is very experienced. I love the credibility of Artur Javis. We will consult with you.
We will like to take our youths on a different lane. Get them engaged in things that will bring them sustainable development. Together, we can”.
Earlier, stakeholders took turns to enumerate the challenges confronting them. Rev Daniel Etim who spoke on behalf of the elders and men noted that “There is no peace in Akpabuyo, security should be priority in your government.
When there is security, there will be development. Our young people are employable, please get them engaged when you become governor. Be rest assured that Akpabuyo is for Sandy/Emana”
Speaking on behalf of the women, Lady Umoh Eyo-Ita commended the governorship hopeful for chosing one of their own to be deputy governor. “Thank you chosing our daughter as deputy Governor. In the last 30 years, we never have it this way. With the choice of a woman as deputy, we are rest assured that our interest is well protected. We assure you that comes 11th March, 2023, the women will vote massively for our own”.
On his part, the representative of the youth, Mr Austin Patron Okon, berated Gov Ben Ayade’s food on table appointments and called on Sen Sandy Onor to give them permanent employment “The youths want permanent employment, and not the food on table that is currently going on. Our sister, one of us is sitting right beside you, we want to assure you that we will give you 100% votes”.
