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Tag: #Sandy Onor

  • 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”.

  • 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”.

  • We Shall Resettle The Ebijakara People, But We Must Love Ourselves; Give Us Peace To Run The Government – Sandy Onor

    We Shall Resettle The Ebijakara People, But We Must Love Ourselves; Give Us Peace To Run The Government – Sandy Onor

    By Elijah Ugani 

    Sen Sandy Onor, the Governorship candidate of the PDP, has promised to resetle the Ebijakara community in Abi Local that was wiped from her settlement during a communal clash if elected governor.

    Sen Onor made the promise while responding to the call from the elders to resetle the Ebijakara community, and assured him that peace have returned.

    Responding, Sen Onor assures that ” We shall resettle the Ebijakara people. But we must love ourselves; give us peace and tranquillity we need to run the government.

    “We will continue with the reconciliatory moves. We would reconstruct the Bahumono ring road based on the peace that would be flourishing in Bahumono community. We must desist form war confrontations.

    “Communal clashes should be banished. I am happy that peace is beginning to return to Bahumono”.

    Responding to the call to address the plight of retirees, Onor noted that “We will give our best to retirees. People give the best to their state and you abandon them without paying them. It is criminal not to pay retirees their entitlements after many years. We shall pay attention to that”.

    Earlier, stakeholders took turns to address Sen Onor as they make their demands;

    Freedom Ejom- Bahumono Clan noted that “We need the rural road from Ebijakara-Ebom-igonigoni, to the tourism at Ebom Lake.

    “We want the people of Ebijakara to come home because we have made peace. We need skill acquisition centres.

    “Bahumono is PDP and locusts have taken over our land so if you assure us of this, we would vote for you”.

    Engr Eleng Richard from Imabana stated that “Looking at this team, I saw a tram that value this state in the past. With this team there is hope for Abi and the state.

    “We need water. We are suffering because our streams are dried up. No hospital in Imabana. We don’t have any reasonable appointment, when you win remember us”.

    Elder Emmanuel Ibanga from Agbo community, held that “We need access road from Ekureku to Annon. We need water to curb outbreak of cholera.

    “We request the completion of the hostel at the Itigidi College of Nursing. We need the rehabilitation of the Songhai farms to boost agricultural productivity.

    “We need a standard police station because of the communal clashes between Adadama and Ebonyi state.

    “We need a boundary demarcation at Adadama to curb this communal clahes between them and Ikwo in Ebonyi state.
    Abi is behind you and would vote massively for Sandy Onor”.

    On her part, Pastor Mrs Eno Oqua, who spoke on behalf of the women and the Elders, posited that “Please empower the women so that they can do farming all year round.

    “The elders are easily forgotten after election. So remember them once you are elected, by giving them little stipends and honorarium. The present government see elders as useless and have no economic value. Please don’t abandone us like Ayade did. Please look into pension and gratuities for senior citizens.

    Speaking on behalf of the youths, Esame Elemi maintained that the youths are very skillful, but that Gov Ayade gave appointments to unskillful people, “We are skilful. Ayade gave appointments to unskillful people. Our lifting will come from you. Remember to give us opportunites if elected”.

  • I Promise Bahumono People That If We Win, We Would Construct This Road And Reactivate The Songai Farms – Sandy Onor

    I Promise Bahumono People That If We Win, We Would Construct This Road And Reactivate The Songai Farms – Sandy Onor

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Sen Sandy Onor has promised to reactivate the Songai Farms, construct the Bahumono and other ring roads as well as provide water for the people of Abi if elected governor.

    Sandy made the promise during an interactive session with traditional rulers at Usumutung, Abi local government area, as part of activities for the statewide campaign of the PDP.

    In his words “I promise Bahumono people that if We win, we would construct this road. We would reactivate the Songai farms, rural water, hospitals and roads. Please vote for PDP with character and integrity so we can move the state forward.

    “As custodians of our tradition, the onus lies on you to tell the truth. Any chief that is incapable of telling the truth would have a divided community. So I want Chiefs to know me for truth. I am not that type of politician that tell lies. We respect our people and fear God. We would make promises we can redeem. It would not profit us anything to tell lies because we want power.

    “PDP had produced great leaders till Ayade came on board who was an outsider and does not understand the political culture of our state.

    “We take our mandate very seriously. Bahumono had hard times in brutal communal wars. We brutalize ourselves and make no progress at all.
    One of the consequences of such communal wars is that it breeds criminal bands.

    “I am doing this because I heard you have been making peace between Ediba and Usumutong. I don’t believe land is so important thay we should begin to kill ourselves.

    I urge the Chiefs to also pray for peace and love in our communities. When we come to government, we would constantly interact with you people to bring lasting peace.

    “PDP is your first husband, please return to us, we shall not disappoint you”.

    On his part, a governor and Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council, Mr Donald Duke averred that he cannot rest because our state is on fire “We cannot rest because our house (state) is on fire. We came out because the state of our state is deplorable.

    “In our time, only two communities were left without light. Abi was the only local government that had electricity in every community. Infrastructures were built here including Pa Imoke bridge.

    “You can do your big projects, but do the small things to increase productivity, healthcare was better but when the undertaker came, paradise was lost. But we have the man who knows the road and would restore the paradise first.

    “We have to restore our state before we talk of how to move forward. We have a lot of work to do and PDP would do it. We should entrust our destiny into their care.

    “So go out and vote because if you don’ t vote, you lose the right to complain. Traditional Rulers should make it a toboo for anyone who is 18 and has no voter’s card or has and refuse to come out and vote. Such people should be ostracized. Don’t allow anybody to intimidate you.

    “We would look into the traditional rulers welfare. When we come in, we would review the stipends to reflect the inflation in our time.

    Responding on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Ovai Solomon Edward, affirmed that “All Sandy has said has element of truth and we are here to let you know that, as far as Abi is concerned, we maintain a very good relationship with all political parties.

    “I know that the society is indeed yearning for good leadership that touches and affect the people.

    “I believe that this time around, God would bring surprises to the leadership”.

     

  • Sandy Is The Last Hope For Cross River, If He Fails Me, Them I Will Lose Hope In Humanity – Donald Duke

    Sandy Is The Last Hope For Cross River, If He Fails Me, Them I Will Lose Hope In Humanity – Donald Duke

    By Elijah Ugani 

    Former Gov Donald Duke and Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council, has stated that if not for Gov Ben Ayade, that Liyel Imoke brought who have taken the State back by 20 years, Cross River State would have been ahead of many states. He argued that Sandy is the last Hope for Cross River State.

    Duke made assertion during the PDP Campaign Council consultation with Etung Traditional Rulers held on January 19th 2023.

    His words “If not for the undertaker, Gov Ben Ayade, that Liyel Imoke brought who have taken the State back by 20 years, we would have been ahead of many states. So the royal fathers should be wise enough to vote for Sandy, because Sandy is the last Hope for Cross River State. And if Sandy loses, then I will be very sad.

    “When Sandy stood for the primaries, I kept quiet, but when Sandy clinched the ticket I told myself this is the man who would turn things for good in our state.

    “Sometimes we pray and the prayers are not answered, sometime we pray and the prayers are answered, all these teaches us a lesson. We must learn from our past.

    Speaking further, Duke said he will lose faith in humanity if Sandy fails to deliver to cross riverians good governance “If Sandy fails me, l will lose faith in human being, but l know he will not fail. l know him and he has been tutored by past good leaders. Sandy is for the entire State, not just for Etung.” Said Duke.

    Responding on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Augustine Agbor Imoh, thanked the PDP Campaign Council, especially former Donald Duke, for the bold step taken to reposition the state. He stated that Sen Sandy’s performance as Etung Local Government Council Chairman remains unmatched. As senator, he has spread projects across all the local governments in the Central Senatorial District.

    The royal father used the opportunity to appeal to other traditional rulers to support Sen Sandy Onor “I appeal to my fellow chiefs to support Sandy and all other candidates of the PDP”. Said he.

    The royal blessings was performed by HRH Obase Etim Obase.

    On his part, the governorship candidate of the PDP, Sen Sandy Onor maintained that he undertook a lot of projects as Chairman of Etung and as senator of the federal republic. “I did a lot of projects as chairman of Etung local government area and as Senator of the federal Republic.

    “Come March 11th, 2023, the chiefs should go out and vote for me because when I become governor, I will make a difference for the people.

    “I am worried at the action of some people among the community whose behaviours are repugnant and negates the doctrine of live and let’s live.

    “PDP is campaigning and APC is quietly plotting how to cause violence and rig the election.

    “I enjoin you not only to give all PDP candidates your royal father’s blessings, but should talk to your subjects to go out there and collect their PVCs and do the right thing by voting the right Party -PDP”.

  • PDP Governorship Campaign: As The Journey To Reclaim Cross River State Begins BY UMEZULIKE DESMOND-CRUZ

    PDP Governorship Campaign: As The Journey To Reclaim Cross River State Begins BY UMEZULIKE DESMOND-CRUZ

    Beaming in his signature immaculate white apparel and his ever-alluring smile, is the Irrunando of Africa, conspicuously occupying the front pew of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Ikot Ansa. Flanked on the side are his pulchritudinous wife, Barr. Gertrude Onor, and his ever-alluring Deputy Governor-designate, Lady Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe–the presence of both women offered a dazzling illumination to the auditorium. The arrival of the Irrunando into the church premises held the parishioners spellbound and bestowed a selcouth ambience, as parishioners in a spontaneous and electrifying mood, whispered uncontrollably his name, “The Original Caterpillar”. It took the ecclesiastical anointing of the service moderator to control the exhilarated parishioners. Then came the solemn songs ringing in the ears of parishioners and thousands of political supporters that filled the auditorium, as the liturgical men and the Parish Priest opened the mass of Eucharistic celebration with the ceremonial burning of incense. Outside the auditorium was a sea of heads converging in their numbers with their countenances bearing different inscriptions of hope and faith in the candidacy of Senator Sandy Ojang Onor.

    “We are reclaiming our state” said Mrs Offiong Ikpeme, a retiree from the State civil service who according to her, was yet to receive neither her gratuity nor pension 5years after her unceremonious retirement from the State Civil Service. “This is our chance to bring back the lost glory of our state. It’s now or never. I believe in Senator Sandy Ojang Onor” she would later continue in her eulogy.

    Cross River State, everyone agrees, is sick, with its list of ailments enough to make one mad. Unemployment rate has risen from 23.1% in 2019 to 33.5% in the early quarters of 2020, then skyrocketed to 53.65% in 2021. Data from Debt Management Office indicates that the state has a strangulating debt profile of #176.086billion as at 2022. The State IGR has been personalized and its tourism potentials bastardized.

    As the priest began his message, taking his reading from the holy Gospel according to John 1:29-34, he spoke about the lamb of God who took away the sins of the World and further admonished parishioners to remain as light to the Nation despite the despairing situation they find themselves today.

    Speaking during the dedication of the campaign, Senator Sandy Ojang Onor reiterated his unflinching belief in the Trinity and Catholicism.
    “We are here because we believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit and we have no other God. What he gives us we take, what he chooses not to give to us, we thank him for. We urge you to continue to pray for us. For those of us who have been living in this state for the last 15years, you will agree with me that we are currently living in a dark place and our state needs total rejigging. We are confident that by God’s grace, we shall lead the charge for that revitalization”

    In a way of appreciation, the Parish Priest presented a Holy Bible to Senator Sandy Ojang Onor as a symbol of God’s presence and protection.
    “You are called the Caterpillar and the Caterpillar smashes. Go in God’s might” charged the Parish Priest as the Parishioners echoed a thunderous Amen!.

    …..As the Journey begins, Girdle your loins! We are making a worthy Governor!