The Lumine News

Category: 2023 General Election

Gabu, Yache, Echumofana, Okuku And Ugaga Receives PDP Campaign Trail As Mass Defection Hits APC

The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Candidates in Cross River North Senatorial District, led by Dist Sen Jarigbe Agom, today visited Gabu, Yache, Echumofana, Okuku and Ugaga wards of Yala Local Government Area as part of its ongoing ward-ward Campaigns.

Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Barr Godwin Offiono and Barr Paul Ebiala PhD, in company of the PDP Cross River State Party chairman, Barr Vena Ikem and other Leaders of the party took the message of hope and continuity to the people, assuring them of even better representation by the party’s candidates.

Sen. Jarigbe while speaking at the various wards, promised to sustain the momentum when re-elected as Senator.

Barr. Goffio and Barr Paul Ebiala while speaking, also promised to emulate the good representation introduced by Sen Jarigbe at the House of Representatives and State Assembly respectively when elected.

The party’s candidates were endorsed by the leaders and masses at the various wards, stating that the gesture was in appreciation of the many projects and empowerment carried out by PDP over the years and continually.

Mass defection was also witnessed in Ugaga ward as “Ugaga Dependable Friends” led by Hon. Theresa U. Enyuma dumped APC. She stated that her group’s return to PDP was premised on the bad leadership of Hon

Stella Odey and APC in general.

CRN CAMPAIGN MEDIA.

Stella Odey and APC in general.

CRN CAMPAIGN MEDIA.

January 13, 2023
Arrest Of PDP Supporters In Ogoja: Ayade/APC’s your Plan To Utilize State Security To Intimidate Voters

Culled From Weetalknaija.com

A team of Nigerian Police personnel, on Monday, raided Ogoja Urban, arresting over 30 supporters of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The team of security men which came all the way from the State Capital, was alleged to be acting on the directives of the State Governor, Ben Ayade.

Sources have said that the police team was drafted from Ogoja, Ikom and Calabar to effect the arrests on trumped up charges of destruction of billboards and obstruction of public peace. But another source said during the Nortfest (New Yam festival), Ayade ordered that all PDP billboards be brought down in the entire Ogoja Urban, alluding to the fact that indeed the PDP billboards were brought down and under the supervision of security operatives. Some of the people so far arrested are key supporters of Sen. Jarigbe and supporters of other PDP candidates in the north.

Reacting to the hideous political machination, the PDP Chairman, Cross River State, Mr Vena Ikem Esq, said “I have information on the alleged arrest of our supporters by police authorities, yesterday, in Ogoja. The APC and the boys have been stimulating crisis in the hope of using the police force to clamp down on our supporters, especially in the northern senatorial district.

“Governor Ayade has lost all semblance of credibility amongst our people, but he is desperate to return to the Senate. So we know his game plan depends entirely on utilizing the state security to intimidate voters. How that will work for him remains to be seen”.

The PDP State Chairman assured PDP supporters and the general public that “we will use all means at our disposal to frustrate such nefarious plans; Ayade and the APC will exhaust themselves before time because we will follow up all their shenanigans,” avowing that “Nigeria is still a country of law and order.”

Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, said: “Yes, I am aware of the Police arrests in Ogoja. They arrested them in connection with alleged destruction of APC billboards. When they bring the suspects, we would screen them and fish out the culprits and those innocent would be freed and those found culpable would be charged to Court.

“The Police frown at destruction of billboards and we have earlier issued a statement about that.”

December 21, 2022
Late Senator Mrs Rose Oko’s Family Declares Support For Sen Jarigbe Agom

The family of the immediate past Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Late Senator Dr. Mrs Rose Okoji Oko, has declared their support for the re-election bid of the incumbent Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe ahead of the 2023 general elections.

First Son of the Late Distinguished Amazon, Mr Daniel Oko, during a courtesy call to Senator Jarigbe, presented Campaign materials on behalf of the Oko’s family of Ijegu, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Mr Oko, discussed modalities for the forthcoming elections and further pledged the family’s total support for all candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State.

He was accompanied by the Personal Assistant to the late Senator, Mr John Joe Onah Otiala who is also a staunch and committed member of the Party as they were both received by the lawmaker who appreciated the family and promised to continue in the footsteps of his predecessor.

TEAM JARI MEDIA

December 15, 2022
Mass Defection Hits APC In Obudu As PDP CRN Undertakes Ward To Ward Tour

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.

December 11, 2022
Cross River: PDP Stallwarts Raises Alarm Over Incessant Destruction Of Campaign Posters, Billboards, Accuse CRISSA Of Partiality

By Emmanuel Eyo, Calabar

Some stalwarts of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Calabar South and Municipality have raised the alarm over the destruction of its candidates’ campaign posters and bill boards within the metropolis.

The stalwarts accused Cross River State Signage and Advertising Agency (CRISSAA) of not only denying the party spaces to mount bill boards on the flimsy excuse that PDP and its candidates have not met the criteria, but of discreetly pulling down the opposition candidates’ billboards in strategic locations across the state.

According to them, this is an attempt to heat up the polity and could degenerate into cold war between PDP and APC supporters if not checked.

One of the PDP chieftains and a member of one of the leading candidates’ camapign team, Daniel Asuquo, said reports gathered from the field showed that all the party posters pasted even on residential houses and some billboards on some candidates’ offices have been either been destroyed or defaced by, warning it is a dangerous practice that would do no one any good.

Asuquo stated that twenty-four hours after inaugurating PDP Presidential candidate, Alh. Atiku Abubakar, Cross River Campiagn Council in Calabar, the agency allegedly sent in some miscreants who went in the wee hours of Sunday, November 13, 2022 and destroyed Atiku’s billboard mounted in front of the office at Marian Road.

He said when the security man on duty tried to stop them, they threatened him with gun and some other dangerous weapons, warning him stay clear as the order was from the above.

He further accused CIRSSAA of being behind the dismantling of PDP campaign billboards at Diamond Hill, Ediba and Ikot Ishie axis of Calabar Municipality, Odukpani junction and Okwurikang in Odukpani local government.

Also accusing the agency of favouritism, another PDP stalwart, Dominic Inyang, said CRISSAA had banned the pasting of posters of any form indiscriminately on private and public buildings, but allowed APC to past their campaign posters at the back of U.J. Esuene Stadium and some bus-stops around the same stadium.

Inyand said allowing APC to do that is a confirmation that CRISSAA is tacitly working for APC and rather demarketing PDP by denying them spaces.

He said even when some PDP candidates have met all the conditions including payments of agreed fees to CRISSAA’s account, the agency is still hell bent on frsutrating PDP, adding that they would have no other option than to start mounting their own bill boards as the state belongs to all Cross Riverian.

He wondered why Governor Ben Ayade that preaches politics of ethics should turn around to use CRISSAA to witchuant political opponents, adding that no amount of intimidation would stop PDP from wining the 2023 polls in the state.

“We know that bill boards do not win election. But it is our right to campaign within the armbit of the law which we have complied with. I learnt that the agency is acting on Governor’s script of trying to muscle political opponents.

“The DG of CRISSAA has shown open partiality by allowing APC to paste their campaign posters at stadium against his own rules of engagements. We do hope that when PDP pastes theirs, he won’t say we have gone against the law?”

Earlier in his reaction a few days ago when the matter first came up, the Director General of CRISSAA, Mr. Effiom Effiwat, said:”We have not given approval to PDP candidates to mount billboards. There are proceedures to follow and if you don’t we would pull it down.”

November 28, 2022
2023: PDP Set To Inaugurate Over 1,000 Member Campaign Council, Promises To Reclaim Cross River

Judex Okoro

The Cross River state Peoples Democrate Party (PDP) has concluded arrangements to inauguerate its campaign counil, promising to reclaim the state in 2023 polls.

The Campaign Council is made up of 1, 080 members and with 18 sub-committees, is headed by the former Governor, Mr. Donald Duke, as chairman and former Deputy Governor, Efiok Cobham, as Director-General.

The campaign structure has Ekpo Ada, Esq, Ntufam Gabe Orji and Hon Mom Olom as Southern, Central and Norther senatorial districts coordinators respectively.

In a press statement made available to newsmen, the state party chairman, Venatius Ikem, Esq, said the members would be inaugurated on Friday, November 25, 2022 at the Venetian Mall, Murtala Mohammed Highway Calabar at 2:00pm.

Ikem enjoined the members, who would work in the various directorates of the Campaign organisation, to be prepared to work assiduously towards recaliming the state.

He said: “I congratulate all members of
the council for meriting the onerous task of reclaiming Cross River State from the abyss.”

The state-wide campaign is expected to roll off after the inauguration and would be followed with ward-to-ward campaigns.

November 24, 2022
Reconciliation In PDP Must Be Based On Equity, Fairness And Justice – Wike

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has reiterated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) G-5 governors will only be disposed to reconciliation based on equity, fairness and justice.

The Rivers State governor made the assertion at the inauguration of the Rumuepirikom Flyover, the 8th so far constructed and completed by his administration. The project inauguration was performed by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo State, on Wednesday.

Governor Wike pointed to how, prior to the crisis rocking the PDP, some members of the party were singing praises of him and colleagues that make up the G-5 governors. But he noted that the same people have turned around to call them names because they are clamouring for equity, fairness and justice.

“ I’m sure, those of them in my party, before, they cannot say anything without mentioning Wike. But now, because I said let the right thing be done, let agreement be agreement. Because I have said that, I have now become an enemy. These were people who were praising me morning, night, any day.

“But because we said, look, we had an agreement, do this, do that, and some people believe that they will not and we said it must be done. We stand for equity, fairness and justice. That is what the G-5 Governors will continue to preach. We have said we are not against reconciliation, but reconciliation must be based on equity, fairness and justice.”

Governor Wike said politics is about interest and Rivers people must be sure of what they stand to benefit for any support they will have to give ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“Politics now is about interest. You must tell me what is the interest of Rivers State. You must tell me what is the interest of my community. I will not join anybody who does not want my State to benefit. I will not support anybody who does not like my State.”

Governor Wike drew attention to the place of integrity in leadership across strata and why leaders must be bonded by what they say and do.

“When once you have lost integrity, there is nothing you can offer again. And that is the problem we are having in this country where politicians will stand up and make a statement.

“And then, people are watching you to fulfil that statement, promise you have made and when you don’t, Nigerians will now say that is how politicians behave. I don’t agree to that.

“Individuals can behave that way, I will not behave that way. If I say something today, I will do it. If there is any reason I won’t do it, I have to come back to you and let you know this is the reason why. And that is what they call integrity.”

He called on leaders across strata and divide to promote unity among Nigerians. According to him, the expected unity should be devoid of ethnicity, religion and party considerations but based on the fact that one is a Nigerian.

“We need a Nigeria that all of us can be proud of. And so, for us, all we are looking for is how Nigeria will progress. How people will have food on their table. It is not a about ethnicity, it is not about religion. It is not about party but how Nigeria will progress. That is where we stand.”

Governor Wike decried situations most people are made to experience, which often make them to question their nationality as Nigerians. He said, it is unfair for some Nigerians to lord it over others on an unequal stance, a feeling that negate unity and progress.

The governor also seized the opportunity to offer public apology to Comrade Oshiomhole over some political comments made against him and the governorship candidate that he supported in the last Edo State gubernatorial election.

“You know I came to Edo State to make sure your candidate didn’t win election. I was virtually in charge, everyday coming out on television to take you on, and I said you will not win, and you didn’t win.

“Well that assignment has been done, we now know who is who. I want to tell my people, I sincerely apologise to you and you know, each time you (we) learn.”

Commenting on the project, governor Wike noted how the people had cried over the inconveniences they had suffered while the construction work lasted. But with the Rumuepirikom flyover now completed and inaugurated, governor Wike observed that people are happier that their sacrifice was worth it.

Governor Wike instructed Julius Berger Nigeria PLC to return to the Rumuepirikom community and make sure all roads are reconstructed in the area.

Performing the inauguration, former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole noted with pleasure the belief by governor Wike that in a democracy, though political parties are needed to win elections, promises made to the people must be kept and projects delivered as proof of governance.

“I think, Rivers people should be proud because, our people often say that prophets are not appreciated at home. Governor Wike has truly transformed this city.

“So, sir, the truth is that, I have heard anyone who is able to say with some measure of confidence that governor Wike, his own na just talk. You talk, you walk the talk.

“In politics, I can’t come to this place when we want the votes and begin to celebrate you. If I celebrate you like our President Buhari has celebrated you now, and you’re using the certificate to make the most potent campaign against my own party what can we say?”

Comrade Oshiomhole, who was also a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, commended governor Wike for using his time in office as governor of Rivers State to make a difference.

“Facts are very stubborn. So, I agree that even your worse critics will admit that governor Wike has made a difference. You made a difference not only in terms of projects but even your statement this afternoon, I join you in saying, because I had course to say that in Benin when I was governor of Edo State that how can a country be governed by people who cannot be trusted.

“When politicians make statements, make promises or even make agreements or even enact laws and the laws are not to be obeyed by themselves but to be obeyed by others and when they default in their promise or standing, they say that is politics for you.

Providing the description of the project, Rivers State commissioner for Works, Dr. George-Kelly Dakorinama Alabo said the Rumuepirikom flyover is 820 meters long, has a width of 26.8 meters, two approach rams of 110 meters each, and 600 millimetres walkway on either sides and 600 millimetres median.

He stated that the flyover is designed to last, will reduce time spent in traffic, improve the socioeconomics dynamics within the benefitting communities in addition to the enhanced value of property in the area.

November 17, 2022
C’River: Back To South Crumbles As Southern Youths Signs Pact With Sandy

Isabella Okon, Calabar

A death knell has sounded for the vociferous clamour by select politicians in Cross River popularly christened “Back To South” which demanded outright zoning of the governorship ticket from all political parties to the southern senatorial district ahead 2023 Elections.

The fatal blow to the clamour followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between youths from the seven local government areas in the south under the aegis of Progressive Southern Alliance and the PDP Governorship Candidate, Senator Sandy Onor in Calabar

Speaking at a Town Hall meeting with stakeholders before accenting to the MOU, the People’s Democratic Party standard bearer Senator Sandy Onor lauded the bold steps demonstrated by opinion leaders behind the initiative, stressing that sectional interest must never be allowed to scuttle concerted efforts to reclaim the state from imminent collapse .

According to him “Back to South” was a selfish concept driven by ulterior motive, intended to promote mediocrity and prolong the current decay in our dear state for mere personal interest of some few elites. Anyone with genuine interest in the well-being of Cross River State would never support the current administration to perpetuate itself in power under any guise.”

“We can not sacrifice competent ,experience, dexterity,academic prowess and charisma on the altar on ethnicity. We have outgrown such myopic persuasions. Besides, I am an Ejaham man from Akamkpa maternally, therefore, I am eminently qualified in all ramifications. I am indeed the best candidate in terns of education,experience, exposure and charisma”

Senator Onor stressed that” I have been a reliable and trusted friend of the Efiks, in 1998 when some prominent politicians in All People’s Party APP then ganged up that an Efik man can never be a governor, Prof Eyo Etim Nyong who emerged as the APP Governorship candidate was replaced with Mark Ukpo overnight ,though I was in APP, I mobilized men and resources in Central and Northern parts of this state to support Mr Donald Duke of PDP because I saw potentials in him. That was how Donald became our governor in 1999.You can verify from them. Let’s dwell on issues that unite and accelerate the development of our state. I would be a governor for all”

In her remarks, the Deputy Governorship Candidate , Emana Ambrose Amanhwe said it was time for the south to mainstream its interest in the incoming administration in order to guarantee attainment of peculiar issue affecting the the senatorial district.

In his address, the coordinator of the Progressive Southern Alliance Asuquo Bassey Solomon revealed that the initiative was meant to provide a platform to address misconceptions and paved the way for an all inclusive government while foisting a united front to guarantee victory at the poll in 2023.

Parts of the MOU stipulate revamping of the tourism sector of the state, Tinapa, Obudu Resort , jobs creation, good governance and key roles for supporters from all PDP Governorship aspirants in the campaign organization.

Professor Offiong Ani, Bobby Effiom Ekpenyong, Esu Coco Bassey, Asuquo Solomon among others facilitated the summit.

November 9, 2022
Sen Jarigbe Agom Replies Gov Ben Ayade, Says He Has Never Been Ayade’s Boy, And That God Rules Over The Affairs Of Men

PUTTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT AND EXPOSING THE LIES OF GOV AYADE:

GOV AYADE HELD A MEETING WITH APC PARTY STAKEHOLDERS AND STATED THIS;

1. That I, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe was his Boy.

CORRECTION:

I am in my 50s and Ayade is in his 50s, from the records in his preferred Age Declaration. I never heard of the name, Ayade, in Cross River State, until I turned 36, when he came to run for the Senate Primary Election against Senator Greg Ngaji and I was running for the House of Representatives. He was asked not to run, because he was a political neophyte and could not stand the storm of going against Sen Greg Ngaji. I took part in that House of Reps Primary Election and it was skewed for Hon Gabe Edi. I came after Gabe in that Primary Election. It was later, I got to know that Ben Ayade, was the young man who was Hon Emma Ibeshi’s boy, when Hon Emma Ibeshi was running for the House of Representatives in 1992.

At what point would I have been his boy, when I had already established a business in 1995 and bought my first Car in 1996, during the Military ? At that time, did Gov Ben Ayade own a bicycle ? At what point did I become a boy to someone in my age bracket? I grew up from a proper home and was brought up to work hard, so I will not carry hand bags for my peers. Ayade’s fantasy of being in a position to suppress and Lord over people, has do with his psychology. God has made it impossible for me to belong to the group of people that will be subservient to him, even as Governor. Foreg, he could not stop me from becoming a Senator of the FRN. God rules in the affairs of men.

Gov Ayade was in the Senate between 2011 and 2015, but did not see me in his Office or Home, asking for a favor, nether did he get a Call from me, soliciting for help. We all supported him to go to the Senate. In 2015, when he came to run for Governor, I was in the forefront of the agitation, because I felt he was the highest political office holder from Cross River North. He was skeptical because there were no clear signals, but I urged him on, because I was in a position to appreciate the issues, better than he did. When he emerged as Gov, he always asked me, how I knew he was going to be Governor. He always wondered if I had a crystal ball, LOL. Today , out of puerile excitement and superiority complex, he has the effontery to refer to a Serving Senator as his Boy. Why should a man lie to himself ?

Ayade has asked that Water Boreholes be drilled in Communities across the North, leaving out other Senatorial Districts, because he wants votes from the North, to win the Senate Seat. This is because I have provided Water for our people and I have become his ROLE MODEL. He will soon Constuct Street Lights, because I have done so. I have also completed the Construction of some roads in Cross River North. He should also complete the only one he started in 2016, from Mfom to Obudu. It’s 6 years and running. It is simple logic that, your Role Model cannot be your Boy.

Ayade has come to fool us again, in an attempt at getting the Senate Seat, because our people are vulnerable and most of us are impecunious, but I know that God will reveal the truth, make our people strong and resilient, so that Ayade will never happen to us again, as a people.

Finally, Power comes from God and He should choose between Ayade and I, who will best serve the interest of our People. Getting paranoid, because of just food will not help us. Ayade has made a lot of you guys, build castles in the air for the past 12 years and it should be clear that you have been basking in the euphoria of an optical illusion.

Happy Sunday.

Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District.

November 6, 2022
Again They Failed, As There Is No Pandemonium Between Gov Wike And Our Principal – Joe Bisong

The attention of the Caterpillar Movement has been drawn to an unfortunate, disjointed and malicious article circulating on the media space alledging a “pandemonium” in the relationship between our Principal Sen Sandy Onor and his bosom friend, the Rivers state Governor, Barr Nyesom Wike over supposed mismanagement of funds. The said article was clearly written by a hireling and circulated by a handful of our detractors, ignorant rabble-rousers and mischief makers. Ordinarily, we would ignore these spurious claims and forge ahead in our quest to liberate our dear state but as Jonathan Swift will say ” Falsehood flies and the the truth comes limping after it.” It is with this hindsight we have elected to respond, knowing that when not quickly exposed, a false story begins to take on a shimmer of truth.

Against this backdrop, we wish to inform our teeming supporters and the general public that our Principal, Distinguished Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor enjoys an unbreakable bond of friendship with His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. This relationship is founded on genuine fraternal love, integrity and probity.

We are aware that the intention of the sponsors of the article was to derail the successful presentation of the latest book of our Principal, “Foundations of Nigeria’s Unity”. This attempt was a miserable failure as the book launch witnessed an unprecedented success .It was well attended by esteemed and illustrious Nigerians including the Senate President Dr Ahmed Lawal, Gov Nyesom Wike ably represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Bukola Saraki, who is currently in the United States of America was fittingly and at his behest represented by his successor, Abdulfatai Ahmed. Past and Serving Governors of various states, Senators and Gubernatorial candidates of various states, members of the House of representatives, party chieftains and captains of industries among others, were also in attendance. These diginatories spoke in acceptance of the philosophy and content of the book especially it’s pan Nigerian content.

We wish at this juncture to reiterate and underscore the fact that the relationship between our Principal Senator Sandy Onor and his friend Gov Nyesom Wike, which has spanned over decades remains unflinching. Indeed, we must categorically state as a matter of fact, that the relationship is getting stronger owing to their common interest on issues of justice,equity and integrity.

Aware of their failures for the past seven years and counting, our opponents have resorted to mudslinging to discredit our Principal, whose credentials they do not have and can not match. We understand the desperation of the sponsors of the write up judging by how formidable and widely accepted our Principal has become against those still running from pillar to post in search of soft landing.

We are further aware that their Leader having failed to secure a soft landing upon sneaking into Rivers State, the sponsors of this write up are now more resolute in their evil attempt to cause a rift between our Principal and his bosom friend, Chief Barr Wike. Understandably, our detractors are deep in quicksand and swinging wildly , grasping on any wild propaganda to confuse well meaning cross riverians who resent their bad governance style and wanton acts of squandermania in the last seven years.

Sen Prof Sandy Onor has the track record of integrity and accountability and can never mismanage any fund entrusted in his custody. We are even aware that plans are afoot to concoct just anything to tarnish the image and character of Professor Onor by going even as far as his days as chairman of Etung LGA. So the cross river public should be prepared for more fable and falsehood by desperate and rejected politicians in the APC. Rather than continue to spew falsehood, we urge our detractors to concentrate on finding an anchor to slow its
rudderless drift into oblivion.

On the claim that our state will be annexed following the overwhelming support our Principal enjoys from his friend, Nyesom Wike, we make bold to reiterate for the umpteenth time that no Governor has ever emerged in any state without the support of someone from another state;yet no state has ever been annexed by another. In any case, the Leader of the APC in the state has since silenced these detractors by sojourning to the same Governor Wike for succour. Let it be made abundantly clear that whereas all politics is said to be local, all politics is also universal.

We call on all well meaning Cross Riverians to ignore the diabolic campaign of calumny against our Principal, Senator Sandy Onor as we are committed to the project of reclaiming, restoring and rebuilding Cross River State for the good of all the people. We urge you all to remain focused,diligent, and unperturbed as we set about our reclamation agenda. We shall not allow ourselves to be drawn into the abyss of cheap propaganda and palpable hate being demoostrated by the said nauseating publication. Once again , we wish to remind you that the price of eternal liberty and freedom remains vigilance. We shall continue to be vigilant until we rescue our dear state from the maladministration of this present APC government.

May God bless you all

Joe Obi Bisong, DG

November 4, 2022