The Lumine News

Author: The Lumine News

  • Calabar Municipal Traditional Rulers Council Protests Locking Of Secretariat By Council Chairman

    Calabar Municipal Traditional Rulers Council Protests Locking Of Secretariat By Council Chairman

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The custodians of Calabar culture under the auspices of  Calabar Municipality Traditional Rulers Council, on Wednesday protested the locking of their Secretariat, located within the premises of the local government council by the Chairman of council, Mr Efefiong Eta.

    Speaking to journalists Infront of the traditional rulers council chambers, the Paramount ruler of Calabar Municipality, HRM Ita Etta, said his office was not communicated why their council hall was locked.

    The custodian of the traditions of Calabar Municipality, said Clan Heads, Village Heads and other members of the council were billed to meet with the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, but discovered that their place of meetings was looked up, and wondered why such an action should be taken without regards to the traditional institution.

    The monarch revealed that they had got an invitation from the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, candidate, Sen Sandy Onor, inviting them for meeting at 2:00pm, at their secretariat.

    In his words, “We had received a notice from the PDP governorship candidate that he will meet with us (Traditional rulers) by 2pm in our Secretariat which is usually where we hold all our functions and activities.

    “As you can see yourself, the Secretariat is locked up and the Chairman didn’t tell us why and you can see soldiers everywhere.”

    When contacted, an authority in the council who pleaded anonymity said the Chairman of Council, Mr Efefiong Eta, gave an instruction this morning that the traditional rulers Secretariat should be locked up.

    He also gave a directive that no meeting of whatever kind should take place in the Secretariat.

    “I am working based on directive,” he stated

    Asked if there was issue with the Secretariat, he said, “There is no issue here, the traditional rulers met here this month of January.”

    The PDP governorship candidate has been campaigning round the 18 local government areas of the state, and is billed to conclude tour of the council areas with campaign in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality today Wednesday, January 25th 2023.

    As part of the campaign schedule to the council areas, he meets with the traditional rulers of each council, holds stakeholders meeting before the rally in the area.

    As at the time of filing this report, calls to the council chairman were not taken or retuned.

  • C’River Govt Partners Zipline, Launches Drone Distribution Centre

    C’River Govt Partners Zipline, Launches Drone Distribution Centre

     

    In line with the resolve of the Cross River State Government to provide quality, affordable, accessible and timely healthcare services and delivery to Cross Riverians, the State governor, Sen Ben Ayade, on Tuesday 24th January 2023 commissioned The Zipline Project Distribution Centre that will ensure a drone-powered instant drug logistics delivery to Cross Riverians, especially those in hard-to-reach areas.

    Speaking during the commissioning,  Gov Ayade reiterated that the Zipline Project is part of his administration initiative to curb issues relating to poor and untimely health delivery services and mortality especially in difficult and hard-to-reach terrains. He further stated that the drone centre in Ogoja will serve well over 300 health centers as this will aid in reinvigorating our primary healthcare structures whilst curbing and solving the many complaints of logistics and ineffective health care delivery.

    He however assured of governments unfettered commitments and supports to Zipline stating that the Cross River State Government will partner with the company effectively and financially, via the provision of drugs, blood and other necessary items for effective delivery.

    The Commissioner For Health Dr Janet Ekpenyong, expressed gladness for a dream came through under His Excellency’s administration. She thanked the governor for staying true to his words of ensuring that his administration delivers quality and digital health service innovations to Cross Riverians.

    Dr.Ekpenyong recanted that “today’s commissioning of the Ziplibe Distribution Centre, was an outcome of the mandate by the governor to the former commissioner for health Dr Betta Edu and herself to understudy a similar feat that was ongoing in Ghana and ensure an immediate implementation in the state.

    “I am optimistic that the berthing of this project will boost health delivery system of the state and serve Cross Riverians aptly from the hills of Obanliku to the creeks of Bakassi, as this same project will be launched in Akamkpa to serve the southern Senatorial District and part of central not covered”

    She thanked Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade for this vision, and also thanked the former Commissioner for health Dr Betta Edu for laying the foundation and other stakeholders for all their support.

    The General Manager of Zipline Nigeria Limited Mrs Catherine Obiaze, lauded the resilient efforts of the state government to ensuring this vision came to fruition. She retorted that her company will deliver and provide top-notched and unique services that will ensure meeting real time demands of drugs, blood and other services to seemingly hard-to-reach locations in the state.

    She added that Zipline operates a 100 percent local content policy in her workforce of dedicated and professional engineers and other workers.

    The event witnessed a test run launch of one of the drone system machines by the Governor to the amazement of all.

    The event which held at Ndok,Ogoja Local Government Area, witnessed a massive turnout of state dignitaries H.E Sen.Prof.Ben Ayade CON the governor of Cross River state and his amiable wife Dr Mrs Linda Ayade, the deputy governor Prof Ivara Esu, the APC gubernatorial candidate and his wife Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu and Rev Mrs Eyoanwan Otu and a host of many other state functionaries who were part of the Northern Senatorial District campaign.

  • APC Have Relocated Our Headquarters To Calabar – Bakassi Stakeholders

    APC Have Relocated Our Headquarters To Calabar – Bakassi Stakeholders

    By Elijah Ugani 

    Stakeholders of Bakassi local government area has accused the All Progressive Congress APC, under the leadership of Gov Ayade of relocating their local government headquarters to Calabar.

    This was disclosed during a stakeholders meeting with the PDP Campaign Council held at Ekpirikang, Bakassi local government area on Tuesday January 24th, 2023.

    Speaking on behalf of the youths, Pastor Enoch Otu, disclosed that “APC had nothing to tell us, they have disappointed us. We are waiting for them. The Chairman, Vice Chair and councilors have all ran away from Bakassi, they have relocated to Calabar because of kidnapping. We cannot see them. They are not attaining to us. We appeal to you to return peace to us. We want our leaders to stay with us to enable us tackle our problems”.

    Otu further decried the high level of insecurity in Bakassi and called on Sen Onor to step in if elected governor. “The high level of insecurity in Bakassi is caused by joblessness of the youths. We hardly sleep with our two eyes closed. A lot of our youths have relocated to Calabar”.

    The representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Bakassi chapter, Rev Dr David Ewo, appealed to Sen Onor to ensure that the next set of leaders that will pilot the affairs of Bakassi are those who resides with the people “It is sad that our Chairman, Paramount Ruler, councilors are all staying in Calabar.
    As you become governor, please we want our next Chairman and councilors to be people who stay with us here”, he said.

    Responding, Sen Onor wonders why the local government Chairman and councilors don’t function from Bakassi, he however assured that when he takes over government, the local system will be restructured and Bakassi local government will function appropriately.

    His words “I don’t understand why Bakassi local government should not be functional here. As we take over office and constitute the local government, your Chairman of council and all councilors will function from here”.

     

  • 2023 Is Not Going To Be About Party, We Are Going To Vote Individuals And Competence – Okon-Edet

    2023 Is Not Going To Be About Party, We Are Going To Vote Individuals And Competence – Okon-Edet

    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”.

     

     

     

     

  • Ayade And APC Cannot Connect To The People Because He Is A Stranger In Cross River Politics – Onor

    Ayade And APC Cannot Connect To The People Because He Is A Stranger In Cross River Politics – Onor

    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”.

  • We Will Work With You To Delineate Bakassi When We Take Over Government – Sandy Onor

    We Will Work With You To Delineate Bakassi When We Take Over Government – Sandy Onor

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Sen Sandy Onor has assured the people of Bakassi that his government will work with them to delineate Bakassi if elected.

    Sen Onor made the remarks while responding to some challenges raised by the Bakassi people during a consultative meeting with stakeholders as part of activities for the party statewide campaign at Ekpirikang.

    In his words “We will ensure that proper delienation is done with your support to separate Bakassi from Akpabuyo, as you vote massively to vote for us.

    “Inspite of the challenge of multiple kidnappings, you still find time to be here. Thank you very much.
    We will never undermine the role of Bakassi in our electoral process in the state. We want to see you mobilize your people to come out and vote for our party. We want to see the votes. We will make you number one if your votes make you number one.

    “What is due women will be given to women. We have no intent to play with the development of women.
    The women are the most mobilized segment of this campaign. We will ensure that we put together policies that will empower women.

    “I don’t understand why a man in his 60s will want to run for councilors. When we take over government, we will ensure that create a system for young to learn and grow in leadership.
    I don’t understand why Bakassi local government should not be functional here. As we take over office and constitute local government, your Chairman of council and all councilors will function from here.

    “As we get to office, we will review the stipends of traditional rulers. We will put together policies that will genuinely make young people to be reliance.
    Civil servants are groaning, teachers are suffering, local government system is suffering. Please talk to your people, let them vote for us.

    “When I listen to Prince Bassey Otu, say, he will consolidate on what Ayade has done, I wonder if he will consolidate on the garbages on the streets of Calabar or the failed and abandoned deep sea port. Ayade does not want to continue what others started, what he started, he does not complete.

    “You cannot bring anybody who is entangled in the cobweb of Ayade to run this state. We cannot afford to play the politics of ethnicity. From the way Prince Otu is sounding, he doesn’t have the impetus to salvage this state. Let’s build on the things that unite us and not on the things that divides us.

    “Donald ran his government based on competence and not ethnicity. When I was Chairman of Etung Local Government Council, Donald Duke came to Etung to commission projects. I was commissioner for Agriculture and Environment. I was Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, and now senator of federal republic. When they come, let them put out their CV and compare it with Sandy’s own. We have the experience and we will deliver, please vote for us”.

    Earlier, stakeholders took turns and enumerated their challenges to the gubernatorial candidate while pledging their support to reclaim Cross River State.

    Speaking on behalf of the elders and men, Dr Joseph Bassey, averred that “Bakassi have about 14,000 votes in the mainland and about 9,000 from the riverian area which counted for Akpabuyo. Following the ceding of Bakassi, we have always have the problem of integrating the bakassi from the riverians area.

    “Despite the ICJ judgement, INEC has refused to delineate Bakassi. We appeal to you to help us delineate Bakassi”.

    Representing the youth, Pastor Enoch Otu, decried the high level of insecurity in Bakassi and called on Sen Onor to step in if elected governor. “The high level of insecurity in Bakassi is caused by joblessness of the youths. We hardly sleep with our two eyes closed. A lot of our youths have relocated to Calabar.
    APC had nothing to tell us, they have disappointed us. We are waiting for them. The Chairman, Vice Chair and councilors have ran away from Bakassi because of kidnapping. We appeal to you to return peace to us.

    “The youths are coordinated, the problem is that they don’t have what to do. Our elders need to find a part for us to grow. How will a 60 years old man come to contest for councilorshp? A former Vice Chairman of council, struggling to become a supervisor in council?

    “Electricity is our problem. You cannot get cool water here. There have been no light here for seven years. We believe that you will come with light.

    “We request for participation of Bakassi in your government. In the past seven years, appointments have been given to the riverian area. Infantile appointments with nothing to offer in that matter”

    Speaking for the women, Mrs Ikanayu, stated that “The women of Bakassi will not disappoint the Deputy Governor and her party.
    Remember us in your paradise. The women of this local government are suffering. Our women can work with their hands. Empower our women to fend for themselves”.

    The Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, represented by Rev Dr David Ewo, decried the abandonment of the association by this present government when he said “The church has been despised and ignored in this part of the state. It has been ignored by the government that is retiring in the next three months. As you become governor, please remember Bakassi. We lack the presence of government from the local government to the state to the federal.

    “It is sad that our Chairman, Paramount Ruler, councilors are all staying in Calabar.
    As you become governor, please we want our next Chairman and councilors to be people who stay with us here”.

  • Yakurr Traditional Rulers Council Accuse Gov Ayade’s Administration Of Extorting Them, Despite Meager Stipends

    Yakurr Traditional Rulers Council Accuse Gov Ayade’s Administration Of Extorting Them, Despite Meager Stipends

    By Elijah Ugani 

    As traditional rulers across the state keeps harping on unjust treatment mated on them by the Ayade’s administration, the Yakurr Traditional Rulers Council has accused his administration of extorting monies from them in the guise of creating more clans despite the meager stipends paid to them.

    They made the disclosure at Ugep, on Saturday January 21st 2023, during a consultative meeting with the PDP Campaign Council.

    Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Obol Ofem Ikpi Ogbor noted that “The traditional institution in Cross River State has been relegated to the background. We have 44 Clan Heads in Yakurr and in Ugep alone, we have 149 villages heads. Out of this number, only 24 clan heads receive monthly stipends.

    “We receive as meager as #22,500.00 and #7,500.00 for clan heads and village heads, and despite this meager stipends, they still come to us to extort. They will lie to us that they want to create more clans and collect as high as #50,000.00 from us. If you don’t pay, they will threaten to withdraw our cirtificates.

    “We don’t sleep with our eyes closed, every little challenge in our communities is brought to the traditional rulers, ranging from land and other disputes, family disagreements and the likes, yet, our stipends is not commensurate with the work we do.

    “Most of us seated here are retired civil servants, we have not been paid our gratuities. We already see hope in Sen Sandy Onor, let your words resemble your person”

  • The Bond We Share In PDP Is Beyond Optics And Can’t Be Broken By Puerile And Misleading Publications – Jarigbe Agom

    The Bond We Share In PDP Is Beyond Optics And Can’t Be Broken By Puerile And Misleading Publications – Jarigbe Agom

     

    The senator representing cross river rorthern senatorial district, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has stated that the bond they share in PDP is beyond optics and cannot be broken by puerile and misleading publications.

    Sen Agom who was reacting to a sponsored publication which suggested a friction between himself and his colleague, Sen Sandy Onor, the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, advised APC to rather be the ones to worry, because the leader of their party is more concerned about putting all the available resources into his senatorial election in Cross River North, rather than assist his gubernatorial candidates and other candidates of APC.

    The release reads in full:
    “Purported Friction in PDP, CRS:

    “We have no issues in PDP, Cross River State.
    The infantile approach of the Opposition, in trying to sow seeds of discord is very petty. I have no issues with my Colleague Senator, the Gubernatorial Candidate of PDP and the Governor of Cross River State, in waiting, Dist Sen Sandy Onor. The APC should be the ones to worry, because the Leader of their Party is more concerned in putting all the available resources in to his Senatorial Election, in Cross River North, to help his failed Senate ambition, rather than assist his Gubernatorial Candidate and other Candidates of APC. How can we be having issues over who becomes President in PDP?

    “The Leadership of APC, headed by Gov AYADE is so scared of Gov Wike’s support for me and trying their best to cause a friction between us. We are not unaware of AYADE’s visit to Gov Wike, to solicit support against me. It was all over social media.

    “I want to let those of you on the other side know that, the bond we share in PDP is beyond the optics and can’t be broken by these puerile and misleading publications. PDP is one big, indivisible family. We want to reclaim the State and not selfishly fighting for one Senatorial District, for personal gains”

  • Ayade’s APC Candidates, Products Of A Poisoned Chalice – Sandy Onor

    Ayade’s APC Candidates, Products Of A Poisoned Chalice – Sandy Onor

     

    The Peoples Democratic Party PDP Governorship candidate in Cross River State, Senator Sandy Onor has described the candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC seeking elective offices in the state as products of a poisoned chalice commissioned to ruin the state completely if elected

    Speaking during an interactive session with royal fathers in Ogoja, Cross River North, Senator Onor stated that the unorthodox process that produced the APC flag bearers compromised their integrity and independence thereby eroding their credibility.

    In his words “It is a common knowledge that all the APC candidates on parade were handpicked by the Ayades. Given the havocs wrecked on our state by Ayade and his cohorts, it would be a terrible risk to support any candidate tied to that apron string”

    “We can not afford to jeopardize the future of our next generation by perpetuating the unmitigated disaster symbolize by Ayade under the guise of an ethnic mantra”

    He solicited for total support for all PDP candidates and enjoined the royal fathers to invoke necessary traditional means to deter election riggers while ensuring that their votes are protected in a free and fair ballot

    Also speaking, the Senator representing Cross River North, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe expressed delight over the high turnout which he noted reflects the massive support being enjoy by the PDP in Ogoja.

    Senator Jarigbe described the stipends being collected by the royal fathers under the Ayade administration as sacrilegious and announced a 100 percent increment from the current package of seven thousand five hundred and twenty thousand naira for village and clan heads respectively.

    In his remarks, the Paramount Ruler of Ogoja, HRM Mathias Abua represented by Chief Butrus Abue sued for a peaceful elections.

  • If The Two Former Governors Are With Sandy, We Will Support Him – Obubra Traditional Rulers Council

    If The Two Former Governors Are With Sandy, We Will Support Him – Obubra Traditional Rulers Council

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Obubra Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to support Sen Sandy Onor reclaim Cross River State from the maladministration of the present governor, having seen the two former governors, Mr Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke supporting him.

    The traditional rulers made the disclosure at the consultative forum with the PDP Campaign Council, held at the Traditional Rulers Council Hall, Mile 1, Obubra Local Government Council.

    The council recounted the good days of Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke as governors and berated Gov Ben Ayade for subjecting to sufferings.

    Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, HRH, Vincent Enang-ere averred that “Like our former governors, Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke performed very pleasantly, if you have the two former governors moving with Sandy Onor, it is only natural that we have to support him, because he definitely perform like them.

    “We are not politicians, we are only sympathizers and we sympathize with the party that will carry us along. PDP is not new to us. It is a party that have performed above average.

    “When you become governor, we don’t go on retirement, please provide the platform and the enabling environment for us to serve our people better.

    “The message we have gotten from you today, we will pass it on to our subjects. PDP is the only party that will take us to the promised land. With God on your side, all of seated here will win”.

    Speaking earlier, Sen Sandy Onor told the traditional rulers that it was very necessary he informed and solicit their support to serve the state from collapse.

    Onor noted that “Obubra nurtured me and very happy about that. When I become governor you will know that your son is governor.
    You in Etung/Obubra are lucky because one of your sons will be governor.
    This is the party you should vote for. Your son will work with me in the House of Assembly and he will support me to serve you better.

    “Friday Okpeche, is tested and trusted, we are sending him to represent us. When you want to send people to Abuja, you send those who will be able to represent you. When I landed the senate, everybody knew I was there. Send catch fire, he is going to catch fire there, and everybody will know that he is around.

    “When Donald Duke was governor, all us were happy. He served us well and Imoke came and consolidated on the gains of what Donald started.
    And came the man who destroyed everything that was built.

    “Thankfully, Imoke came here and apologized to you.
    As traditional rulers, you are supposed to speak the truth. You are not supposed to be afraid us. You can only respect us.

    “You cannot be generous with government money, you can only be accountable.
    You pack money and give to young people without job description, you say you are generous. That is not being generous, it is foolishness.

    “You the Traditional Rulers who takes a lots of pressure from your subjects, settle disputes and receive abuses, your stipends is a just #7,500.00, what is a mis-normal.
    The APC lie a lot. When they come, ask them what they have done for you.

    “When I become governor, one of the first thing I will do is to do a local government tour to enable me interface with you to understand your challenges and how best we can address them.

    “None of the industries, none of the roads undertaken by this government is complete. The only road in the north they said they are doing, as they are working the road, it is piling as they move on.

    “If you have been to Ogoja, you will realize that the guest house that was there, this government demolished it, now they cannot rebuild it. What they will have done was to build a new one.

    “All the trees Donald planted, they have cut them down. The Calabar you use to know is very dirty. The local government has been destroyed. There is a relationship between the local government and the economy of the rural people.

    “When you destroy the local government system, then all hope is lost. Now they are carrying someone to come and tell you to vote for.
    If you go to government house, you cannot use the toilets there, they have destroyed everything we are known for. Please vote for PDP and bring us back. The respect you have for us, when we get to office, your stipends and allowances will be increased.

    “Donald Duke didn’t lie, Imoke came, he never lied and I will not lie. I don’t believe in the politics of lies”.

    On his part, former governor Donald Duke urged the traditional rulers to give the same support they gave him in 1999 and 2007 to emerge governor to Sen Sandy Onor”As you supported me in 1999, please support Sen Sandy Onor to become governor
    It is a serious business. What happens in the next four years will determine what will happen to us in the next decade.

    “Life is all about hope. Whoever gives you hope, is the person you will follow. If you trusted me, please trust this man. He has been in the system. Weather it is in the local government system, he has seen it, he even wrote a book on Local Government Administration.
    When you’re commissioner for Agriculture and Environment. You have to move round the state. You don’t sit in the office.

    “You also sent him to the senate. At the senate, just in three months, the Senate President in the opposition party declared him as the Orator of the Senate, to me that means a lot.

    “The back to south is a mirage, let everybody go out and vote. Whoever does not vote, does not like this state, such a person is the reason why we are where we are”.