by By Elijah Ugani
The Paramount Ruler of Bakassi, HRM Etim Okon Edet, has stated that the 2023 election is not going to be about party, but that the people will vote individuals and competence.
The monarch made the disclosure on January 24th, 2023, at his Calabar residence when the PDP Campaign Council held a consultative meeting with traditional rulers of Bakassi local government area.
His words “The election of 2023 is not going to be about party. We are going to vote individuals and competence. I am not a tribalist. I fight ethnicity. We need the best to come and do the work.
“PDP is determined to recover their eggs. You need to be courageous and forthright.
Campaign to every nook and crannies because you determined to recalibrate your eggs.
“Everybody doesn’t need stories anymore. We have seen all the bad and the good. We know who would deliver the state. Try and empower the chiefs and not only politicians. We are most times not apolitical. Look into our welfare because we are passing through hell.
“They promised to build a Palace for Bakasai people. I want to leave in Bakasai and see my people. Past administrations promised and failed. Now we are all IDPs.
“When you win and see something wrong please correct it. We would not accept neglect any longer”.
Speaking earlier, the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, Sen Sandy Onor reminded the traditional rulers of Bakassi local government that “We have shared some socio-cultural affinities, which is a demonstration of oneness. I believe that it is wrong for anybody to upset the harmony. When Duke was a Governor, there was no nepotism. The same with Imoke untill Ayade came in.
“If you go to Benue state, the TIV has continued to hold on to power for years in complete disregards to other tribes, which is not good. But here in Cross River it is a different ball game because every other segments have tasted power based on merit.
“I have soured beyond ethnicity in our state. People should be dealt with according to what they can contribute.
“APC are barbarians who leave trails of destruction everywhere they go. How can people tell us to follow this same people who have left darkness for 7 and half years. They cannot give us hope and they said we should sustain the gains of garbage and lies and no restructuring of the civil service.
“So we need a change and new leadership that is clear headed. A new Cross River state that would bring in accountability and drive good governance. We would look into those small things our people need.
“Paramount Rulers should ensure that we restore respect to the institution. We expect the chiefs to speak the truth”.
