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Category: Press release

  • Full Text Of Press Conference By The Gubernatorial Candidate Of The PDP, Sen Prof Sandy Ojang Onor, At The NUJ Press Centre, Calabar

    TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE OF THE PDP, SENATOR(PROF)SANDY OJANG ONOR, AT THE NUJ PRESS CENTRE, CALABAR.

    Protocol

    Greetings to All.

    We bring you warm greetings from all the 18 local governments of this state, where my campaign team and I have visited since last week, to thank them in advance for the trust they have on us, ahead of the gubernatorial election which will hold in March.

    Even though I have gone round this state many times in the course of my work either as local government chairman, state chairman of ALGON, deputy national president of ALGON, chairman of the local government service commission and currently, the candidate of the PDP, my recent visit to the 18 local government areas have brought me closer to our traditional rulers, youths, women, religious leaders and a broad spectrum of stakeholders who are all unanimous in their disenchantment with the present APC administration in the state.

    This phase of the campaign tour which ended on January 25, 2023, was very revealing. For the first time, our fathers came out bold and courageous to cry out about their plight.

    From Obudu, the home of Prof Ben Ayade, the governor, to Bakassi, we all felt like weeping, as the traditional rulers and the masses spoke about the decay in our state.

    I must say that the experience has confirmed our worst fears about the gravity of neglect that our people have suffered in the hands of the APC government. We saw very terrible roads especially in the North, where Ayade comes from. Believe me, we are getting to the end of these sufferings and neglect.When we get into office on May 29 this year, we will, by the grace of the Almighty, change the narrative for good.

    Just after our campaign team peacefully left the North, Ayade led his party into that region and one of the comments we have heard so far from the governor is the allegation that the opposition is planning to import thugs and militants from other parts of the country, to terrorise the state during the general elections. We laughed as we heard this because we know it is exactly what Ayade is planning to do.

    The entire state is aware of how Ayade imported thugs and militants into the northern part of the state for the bye-election which held last year. Having realized that his party had woefully lost, he brought in a band of official and unofficial marauders who inflicted mayhem on the electoral officials and seized materials to enable them distort the figures and then submit same to INEC.

    We already know that he intends to repeat this deadly strategy. Unfortunately for him, the plot is dead on arrival as our people have been sufficiently conscientised to stand up for their rights, and to vote and ensure that their votes count.
    I want to place it on record that senator Ben Ayade’s unfounded alarm is a strategy to get the police to hound, harass, pursue and arrest our supporters who he intends, for obvious reasons, to keep out of circulation by throwing them into detention and remanding them until after the election.

    His thugs have already started being violent, destroying our billboards, harassing our supporters and causing havoc in the north; the same place we spent about four days campaigning peacefully. Ayade and his party are a violent people.

    Let me use this opportunity to once again call on our security agencies to sit up and remain neutral as we get close to the general elections. They must not allow themselves to be used to torment innocent citizens.

    One of us, Mr Peter Akpanke, the PDP candidate for the Obudu/Bekwara/Obanliku Federal Constituency election, is already being hounded by Ayade, with the tacit support of the police and the judiciary, with a mischievous bench warrant, over a murder charge that Akpanke knows nothing about.

    In fact, Akpanke had gone the extra mile to get the police to apprehend the suspect who killed the policeman in question and the suspect has since willingly cofessed to the crime.Yet, Ayade is still doing everything to force the police to harass our candidate because defeat now stares him in the face.

    In times like this, the police and the DSS should live up to their professional calling and maintain their non partisanship avowal, and do justice to this matter to avoid a breakdown of law and order. The police know the truth and should not allow themselves to be misled by Ayade.

    Rather than chase shadows, Ayade should take deliberate efforts to restitute for his sins against the people of Cross River State for about eight years now. He still has a few more months to do this. I urge him to get into his closet and do some self examination before the end of his disastrous tenure.

    The outgoing government has deceived our people enough. We have, for instance, spoken many times against moves by the governor to embark on last minute programmes and projects, including the plan to conduct a recruitment exercise into the state civil service in the twilight of this administration. At best, this is a voodoo exercise meant to curry favour from unsuspecting members of the public. It is one of the antics concocted by the present administration to buy the hearts of the people but unfortunately for them, our people are getting wiser. This exercise, if it holds, would end up laced intensely in nepotism, favouritism and sectionalism. It would be purely political and would not meet the genuine needs of the civil service. It is meant to rally troops for the 2023 elections and make the next government look bad by inflicting upon it a wage bill that is unpayable. The timing is wrong and the motive is completely mischievous and wicked, to say the least.

    Come to think of it, this government has not implemented any promotion since it came on board in 2015. Primary school teachers have not been promoted; there have been no incremental steps since 2016 and many primary school teachers are still being owed backlog of salaries. It is common knowledge that public primary schools in the state do not even have imprest; which is why the teachers use their money, and sometimes find ways of getting money from the pupils, to be able to buy lesson notes and even chalk.
    Indeed, it is armed with this knowledge that I felt so sad when I heard that the governor has approved immediate payment of scholarship to students of Cross River State origin. It is shocking how a government can set out to deliberately hoodwink its own people for purely political purposes and gains.

    As a major stakeholder in the Cross River project and by the grace of God, the next governor of our state, I wish to humbly assert that in as much as I know that our people need job opportunities in the state civil service, this one is deceitfully envisioned for political reasons. Recruitment exercises ought to be methodic, systematic and seen to be genuine; something that should be done in a gradual manner to allow the state and its people flow with it, based on the resources available. This one is coming with ulterior motives and is therefore unlikely to find the oxygen and legitimacy to stand the test of time.

    The second and very worrisome issue is the plan by the government to collect five years lease payment from quarries and some manufacturing companies that operate in the state. We are told that the government is reaching out to these companies to raise revenue from them five years in advance.
    This will not be in the interest of our state. While we agree that until May 28, 2023, the governor has the right to take decisions for the state, I dare say that if this is allowed, he would have mortgaged our state for the next five years. The plan is anti- people and against the common good of all Cross Riverians. We are using this opportunity to raise the red flag and to warn that we must not allow the plot to mortgage our future. The companies should be wise enough not to allow themselves to be hoodwinked by those who are trying to sell this dummy. This is a warning to the companies and it will be in their interest not to fall into the trap. The timing of this venture is very awkward and unreasonable. The companies are advised to be wiser.

    Let me also advise against the hurriedly planned sale of government property to government officials who are currently occupying those official residential quarters. Lovers of this state have kicked against this in the past and I want to add my voice at this time, to caution that the out-going government should not contemplate selling those government properties under whatever guise. These are properties that represent the face of the state. Please let them be.

    At this juncture, permit me to please make an appeal to the state government. Calabar was hitherto declared the cleanest state capital in Nigeria for many years. In fact, as commissioner for environment, I received several delegations from state governments, far and near; all of whom came to find out from us as a state, ways and means of keeping Calabar clean in particular and the state at large. Today, the reverse is the case. Our state is now known for mountains of refuse. We can truly, hardly breathe. The shame is becoming unbearable. Let the government please do everything to rid our state capital at least, of these heaps of dirt and disgrace. It is easy to deal with, and it is doable. We did it before and it can be done again and again.

    Let me also give some attention to the forest. The pristine tropical rainforest is one of our greatest gifts. Must we be completely denuded of this great gift with all its rich fauna and flora before this government goes? The effect of this ruthless brigandage on our forest is already upon us. How can our government be so callous on our people and posterity! Let the government stop its hypocrisy on this matter and end this modern slave trade. Money must not be made at all costs and in complete disregard to the well -being of our people and the future of our children. Enough of the madness. Let our forests be exploited sustainably so as to give our environment the much needed succour it deserves. Even timber dealers would have a more sustained and profitable trade if things are done right .

    Finally, let me touch on the recent controversy surrounding BIVAS machines in our state. We all are aware of reports indicating that the state government has some BIVAS machines in its possession. INEC has denied any connivance as its machines have not left their place of custody. Our worry is that in a recent press release, IPAC had maintained that it was not carried along when INEC and the security forces in the state moved in to confirm that no BIVAS machine was tempered with. Infact, IPAC insists that for some inexplicable reasons they were stopped from participating in that verification exercise. We cannot but be worried. We therefore call on INEC and the security agencies to allow IPAC certify the authenticity of their pronouncement on the BIVAS. This is critically important because confidence building is critical in election management, prior to, during and after the elections.

    Gentlemen of the press, I covet your continued support in the days ahead. I thank you for your kind attention.
    I am ready to take the darts that would come from the purveyors of lies from the other side and the attack dogs of government as well as their spiritually poor sympathisers. I am now ready to take some questions.

    Senator Sandy Onor
    Calabar
    Friday, January 27, 2023

  • 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

  • Amb Soni Abang: The Ignorance Of A Politician On Sabbatical – PDP

    PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY CROSS RIVER STATE.

    9th August 2022.

    Press Statement:

    AMB. SONI ABANG: THE IGNORANCE OF A POLITICIAN ON SABBATICAL.

    Our attention has been drawn to a scathing and vitriolic comment credited to Amb. Soni Abang, the factional Director General of one of the many APC Gubernatorial Candidates in Cross River State, wherein Amb. Soni Abang, mischievously insinuated that the Peoples Democratic Party is coming into the 2023 elections with a very heavy moral baggage as a result of the Gubernatorial Candidate of the PDP coming from the Central Senatorial District.

    In a bid to score cheap Political point and whip up ethnocentric sentiment, Amb. Soni Abang who just returned from political sabbatical threw caution to the wind and spoke disparagingly about the PDP, the same Political Party that gave him the platform to become who he is.
    Abang as erstwhile chairman was the most dictatorial and undemocratic in the history of party politics in Nigeria. The same Abang who is today talking about brotherliness and natural justice, fought against His Excellency, Senator Liyel Imoke and nearly truncated Imoke’s 8years tenure as Governor. So, where’s the brotherliness?

    As Amb. Soni Abang appears to be recovering from the rude shock that visited him following his loss of favour with Senator Liyel Imoke since his ignominious ambassadorial posting to the Republic of Chad, that sent him on Political exile, we would love to ask him what he negotiated for the Six Local Government Areas of Central SenatoriaI District where he comes from, as someone interested in Political inclusiveness. Where is the equitable distribution of offices in his beloved APC, when the Senatorial District with a sitting Governor is still imposing a deputy Governorship Candidate on his party for the sole purpose of shoring up his failed bid to return to the Senate, an ambition that he can see clearly is bedeviled with bad omens indicating that it is already stillborn.

    If we may ask, why is Ambassador Soni Abang working tirelessly to give his younger brother the ticket of the PDP to contest the Federal House of Representative seat of his Constituency Ikom/Boki, instead of his party the APC, if he considers the APC a just and preferred platform?
    Maybe the APC needs to interrogate these inconsistencies of a pretentious returnee Political gangster with the reputation of trading only on electoral goods.

    Ordinarily, we would have chosen to remain calm and let the tantrums thrown at us slide but for the sake of clarity and emphasis, we wish to reiterate that we are not interested in playing the Politics of ethnocentric agitation. We have, for the umpteenth time, reminded Cross Riverians that while others are preaching ethnicity, we are preaching unity and oneness, hence our philosophy of Back To Us.

    For the avoidance of doubt, it is on record that the Peoples Democratic Party Cross River State carried out the most transparent, free and fair primaries in the history of our state, unlike the APC where a group of persons sat down over some bottles of alcohol, drank themselves to stupor and unilaterally forced other aspirants to step down for the preferred Candidate of a cabalistic few, even against the interest of their party faithfuls, which has led to series of litigations.

    We are bemused that the APC can muster the effrontery to talk about moral baggage against the PDP. What can be more burdensome than the fact that APC handpicked all its Candidates in an unjust and unfair manner. What can be more burdensome than the fact that the APC took both their Gubernatorial and Senatorial ticket in the South to one Local Government Area, while excluding the other six Local Government Areas. What can be more disturbing than the fact that the APC in a bid to fruitlessly safeguard the Governor’s already embattled Senatorial ambition, took the position of the Deputy Governorship Candidate of their Party to the Northern Senatorial District. Where is the justice and fairness Amb. Soni Abang is sanctimoniously trying to preach when a particular Local Government Area occupies the Governorship seat, Ministerial seat and currently battling to lay claim to the Senatorial ticket of the Northern Senatorial District. What happens to other Local Government Areas in the North and Central Senatorial District?

    While we do not wish to involve ourselves in the malicious diversionary Political antics of the APC, we enjoin them to prepare themselves and meet us in the field as we are confident that the good people of Cross River State are eagerly waiting to vote them out and reclaim our dear state.

    Signed.

    Prince Mike Ojisi
    State publicity Secretary.

  • Caterpillar Movement Mourns Ibiaye Accident Victims

    The Director General of the Caterpillar Movement, Chief Joe Obi Bisong has decribed the news of the ghastly motor accident that took the lives of eight of his constituents as unfortunate and a hurtful tragedy particularly to the immediate families, Ekori community, Yakurr Local Government Area, Central Senatorial District and Cross River State in general.

    The release reads in full: We received with great sadness, the unfortunate News of the ghastly motor accident at Ibiaye, Biase Local Government Area in the early hours of today, Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022 involving a truck conveying Cement and a Sienna Vehicle with Eight yet to be identified passengers from Ekori in Yakurr Local government area of Cross River State.

    “As we admonish all to submit to the will of the Almighty God, we make bold to state that is a hurtful tragedy particularly to the families of the victims, the Ekori community and to all of us, the people of Central Senatorial district and Cross River State at large.

    “On behalf of Senator Sandy Ojang Onor, the Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial district, we commiserate with the families of the deceased, the Ekori community and Yakurr local government area even as we await proper identification of these constituents whose lives were menacingly snatched by death and hope that the cause of accident is investigated and forestalled to ensure safer roads for commuters”.

    May their Souls rest in Peace.

    Joe Obi Bisong,
    Hon Chief
    DG, Caterpillar Movement

  • Cross River State: A City Of Refuse Under Ben Ayade – PDP

     

  • Nko-Oyadama Crisis: Sandy Onor Regrets The Effect On Nko People, Calls On All Parties Involved In The Unfortunate Development To Cease Fire Immediately And Allow The Rule Of Law To Prevail

    Press Statement

    It is disheartening and highly regrettable that the persistent and unmitigated crisis between the Nko people of Yakurr Local Government Area and their Onyadama neighbours in Obubra Local Government Area has snowballed into the destruction of lives and property.

    This ugly situation which has recently, so badly affected the people of Nko and their means of livelihood is to say the least, extremely sad. I call on all parties involved in the unfortunate development: the military, Nko and Onyadama people to cease fire immediately and allow the rule of law to prevail.

    At this time when we are facing the most difficult economic situation in our nation’s history; when issues of development and improved livelihood are at the core of governance, people should not be seen engaging in this sort of inhumanity.

    I strongly request that all legal processes that will lead to a resolution and reconciliation of the issues at stake should be put in place immediately, so that all involved would return to their normal lives and continue their businesses without any threat and harassment.

    I also urge all relevant stakeholders to make themselves available to all processes geared toward bringing a lasting solution to the crisis, as we pledge to do all within our means to provide a secure and free society for our people.

    Thank you.

    Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor
    Senator Rep. Central Senatorial District
    Cross River State.

  • Re: We Must Send Him On Early Retirement From Politics<< Senator Sandy Ojang Onor And His Supporters To Senator Gershom Bassey.

     

    The attention of the Caterpillar Movement has been drawn to a malicious, perfidious and self-concocted opinion from one Citizen Ekanem Essien, in which he claimed that he was present when the trio of Sen Sandy Onor, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and Mr Venatius Ikem listed notables like Gershom Bassey, His Excellency, Barr Efiok Cobham, Amb Nkoyo Toyo and Rt Hon Daniel Asuquo, for retirement from active politics.

    Ordinarily, we would not have responded to this cheap spurious fabrication borne out of frustration resulting from the inability of its author to acquiesce defeat. But, ignoring him completely may send a wrong message to some quarters. While we acknowledge the role of propaganda in politics, as theorized by Machiavelli, it is important that sociopathic beguilers like Citizen Ekanem Essien should know that they cannot successfully play on the sensibilities of our people, definitely not when it involves a reputable personality like Senator Sandy Onor.

    We understand how painful it is for Citizen Ekanem Essien that despite his countless defamatory claims about our Principal, including the lie of purchasing two Intent forms for different positions, he still won the primaries election with a comfortable lead. Ekanem Essien has left no one in doubt that Senator Sandy Onor’s emergence as PDP Gubernatorial Candidate for 2023 election and the calm that has since followed the victory is both shocking and traumatising to him. He is adviced to accept this reality so that he could live at peace with himself and his neighbours.

    While we recognize his right to mobilize support for his preferred candidate, he has no right to interlope with falsehoods in the affairs of a colossus like Senator Sandy Onor.

    Sen Sandy Onor all through his public service is known for building bridges across ethnic, religious and gender lines. He believes in the principle of collective individualism, anchored on interconnectivity.

    We want to use this opportunity to invite all lovers of Cross River State to join us as we begin the journey to reclaim the state.

    Cross River State is safe with Sen Sandy Onor!

    Caterpillar Movement Media

  • Chris Agara Reacts To Orok Otu Duke’s Threat, Says Governor’s Word Or Preferences Can Not Become Law Unto All

    PRESS STATEMENT ON THE THREAT OF VIOLENCE AGAINST CHIEF (BAR) CHRIS AGARA BY OROK OTU DUKE

    1. The attention of Chief (Bar) Chris Agara Campaign Organisation has been drawn to a comedy strip in which Honourable Orok Otu Duke is the stand up comedian. In the video Duke laboured to ridicule the disclaimer by our team in respect of the phantom consensus Governorship agreement in Abuja. While he succeeded in making his audience laugh he also made a very serious commitment to violence against those who refuse to accept the Consensus Option.

    2. We recognise the obvious threat to the life of Chief Chris Agara and his followers advocated in the video to the loud applause of the men sitting in the room, including the state Governor, and will take very profound measures to protect our Principal and ourselves throughout the period of electioneering. While he humoured Governor Ben Ayade in the same video for making Chief Chris Agara rich during his Governorship, our Principal who God has already generously blessed long before 2015 will make an appropriate response to this matter himself at the right time.

    3. One of the profound tenets of liberal democracy is the right to disagree with a decision that one feels differently about within the framework of the law. That is precisely what Chief ( Bar) Chris Agara has done. Governor Ben Ayade himself recently said openly in his interview with Channels Television that while he wishes that the Governorship returns to the South “I cannot play God and force everyone to agree with me”. We will like to remind the pseudo democrats in the room that Section 84 (9) of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides that consensus may be used after cleared aspirants have emerged. Also, the written consent of the aspirant must be extracted before any consensus would be said to have been arrived at. Cleared aspirants who must have bought the nomination form and gone through due clearance are the ones who can enter into consensus agreements not pretenders to the Crown at Peregrino Hall.

    4. Democratic civil rule does not confer the status of a monarch or potentate on the Governor or President for that matter, and therefore the Governor’s word or preferences cannot become law unto all. We have chosen to disagree with the Consensus Option and are fully prepared for the Governorship race of Cross River State at this time, no matter the number of comedy strips, threats of violence and all types of intimidation that we may come against in the course of prosecuting our legitimate aspiration.

    SIGNED
    BAR. RICHARD OGBECHE
    DIRECTOR GENERAL.

  • Chris Agara Dissociates From The APC Consensus Candidature, Describes The Meeting As Merely A Talk Shop Amidst Good Food And Vintage Liquor

    WE ARE NOT PART OF THE SO – CALLED ‘CONSENSUS’ APC CANDIDATURE

    The Chris Agara Campaign Organisation wishes to state very clearly as follows:

    1. That we are legitimate members of the All Progressives Party (APC), who have always respected and will continue to respect the lawful decisions of the Party and all is organs at all levels.

    2. That we recognise the leadership of the Party in the state by His Excellency, the Governor, Professor Ben Ayade and have been and will continue to be loyal to his leadership.

    3. We wish to state very clearly that such respect and loyalty should however be mutual since the leadership of the Party and the Governor are as important to the members as the members should be important to them.

    4. That our Principal was invited to the meeting which took place on Monday, May 9th at the Transcorp Hotel, in Abuja to discuss the report of the Seven – Man Committee earlier set up by the Party and not to agree on any consensus.

    5. That right there on the floor of the meeting when the matter came up, Chief (Bar) Chris Agara clearly expressed his reservations about the Consensus Option and declined to go along with it.

    6. That Chief (Bar) Chris Agara went further to point out the grave disrespect to some Governorship aspirants that the obvious ambush meeting entailed, by inviting them to a meeting for a specific purpose and then turning around to do something else.

    7. The Chris Agara Campaign Organisation will like to point out to His Excellency the Governor and the leadership of our great Party that while the Electoral Act allows the option of Consensus, it also prescribes that such agreements shall be in writing and shall be endorsed by all relevant parties concerned.

    8. To the best of our knowledge the meeting at Transcorp of the May 9th instant was merely a talk shop amidst good food and vintage liquor and should not be accorded any further importance beyond what it truly was.

    9. The Chris Agara Campaign Organisation assures its teeming supporters that Chief ( Bar) Chris Agara remains committed and competitive in the race and is prepared to pursue his Governorship aspiration to its logical conclusion.

    SIGNED
    BAR. RICHARD OGBECHE
    DIRECTOR – GENERAL

  • Owan Enoh Insists That The One Form For APC Governorship Must Be Purchased In His Name