Month: March 2023

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Opinion

The Next Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Should Come From Ikom, Says APC Chieftain

The Next Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Should Come From Ikom, Says APC Chieftain, Obla.

“I have read the viewpoint of Inyali Peter, a young emerging leader and a noted public commentator in Cross River State, whose work opinion I respect so much on the heated argument on which part of the State; the Speakership of the Cross River State House of Assembly should be zoned.

He has admirably and firmly suggested that in the interest of justice, it should be zoned to the Ikom local government area of the Cross River State.

Let me say straightforwardly that the choice of who is to be the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly is an internal business of the House because I do not have the locus standi to vote or participate in deliberations or proceedings of the House when the speaker will be chosen.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) will command a 2/3 majority in the next session of the Cross River State House of Assembly to be convened likely in June 2023.

As a senior member of the APC and a Cross Riverian, this matter concerns me even though I don’t have the locus standi to take part in the election of the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly.

The election of the Speaker is by members of the Cross River State House of Assembly themselves.

Immediately after the swearing of the Governor on 29 May 2023, he is required to exercise the constitutional power vested on him by section 105 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 to proclaim the dissolution of the present session of the House and the convening of the New session.
The Governor is the Chief Executive of the Executive Branch of the Government of Cross River State of Nigeria.

The House of Assembly is the second branch of the Cross River State government entrusted with law-making and checking the executive branch to ensure it doesn’t exceed the limitations of its constitutional powers.

Admittedly the doctrine of separation of powers between the three branches of government is enshrined in the Constitution and one of its hallmarks.
But the separation of powers is not compartmentalization of powers in practice.

Therefore, it calls for cooperation between all the branches of government involved.

In certain circumstances, all three branches of government have to partner, collaborate and cooperate in the interest of society.

In this wise, the Governor cannot stand idly or Siddon look in this matter of which part of the State, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, should come from.

Pundits have suggested that the next Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly should come from the Central Senatorial District of the State.
I share the same sentiments.

The pertinent question now: from which part of the Central Senatorial District?
The Central Senatorial District is made up of six local government areas namely Abi, Boki, Etung, Ikom, Obubra, and Yakurr.

In the Central Senatorial District are two blocs namely old Obubra (Abi, Obubra, and Yakurr) and old Ikom(Boki, Etung, and Ikom).

The Senator elected to represent Central Senatorial District in the next session of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is from Yakurr.

During the time of Donald Duke (1999-2007), the Speaker came from Obudu in his first term (1999-2003).

In the second term of Donald Duke (2003-2007), the Speaker of the House of Assembly came from Yakurr. Although at a time the member of the House of Representatives for Abi-Yakurr Federal Constituency came from Yakurr as the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly (2003-2007) it was an awkward arrangement consented to by Governor Donald Duke and Senator Liyel Imoke( who was a leader then of Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency).

During the time of Senator Liyel Imoke(2007-2015), in his first term, the Speaker was Hon. Ada. In Senator Liyel Imoke’s second term (2011-2015) the Speaker was Rt. Hon. Larry Odey from Yala. The incumbent Speaker of the House of Assembly is from Yakurr.
In the first term of Governor Ben Ayade(2015-2019), the Speaker was Rt Hon. John Gaul from Abi.

In light of the above, I will suggest the position of Speakership of the Cross River State House of Assembly should go to old Ikom (Boki, Etung & Ikom).

There will be no ranking member of the Cross River State House of Assembly in the next session of the House, and by the House Rules, a fresh member cannot be elected as Speaker.

The lot then falls on Boki and Ikom.
The next member of the Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency of the House of Representatives is Hon. Victor Bisong Abang. He is from Boki.

I, therefore think in the interest of justice, the position of Speakership of the Cross River State House of Assembly should go to Ikom Local Government Area.

It will smack insensitivity and incongruence for the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly and the Member of Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency of the House of Representatives to come from one local government area.

Okoi Obono-obla

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News

N40Billion Fraud: No Hiding Place for Akpabio – EFCC 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has invited Godswill Akpabio, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs over an allegation of abuse of office and misappropriation of billions of Naira.

There had been allegations of N40 billion fraud perpetrated in the NDDC, a ministry which was headed by Akpabio for three years.

The EFCC in an invitation letter served on Akpabio asked him to appear at its office on the 29th day of March, 2023.

Akpabio however declined the invitation and allegedly ran abroad for ‘medical attention’

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News

BREAKING: Simon Ekpa to Declare Sit-at-Home in Lagos Over ‘Attacks on Igbo’

“I have just watched another Igbo Biafra Market in Lagos being burnt down in Balogun lagos today, and I am very sad. Since after the election, Igbo Biafrans in Lagos and their Businesses has been attacked and like I have said earlier, we cant sit back and watch. As Biafrans in Lagos will be getting ready to return home with their businesses. To this end, we will activate sit at home for all Biafrans in Lagos.

“This sit at home is targeted at crippling the economy of the Lagos state government, whose body language has suggested to be directly responsible for the attack against Igbos. I therefore call on all Igbo market leaders in Lagos that we are ready to provide securities for all Igbo markets in Lagos pending when the businesses will be moved to Eastern region. We will fortify all your market against attackers. The underground work will start immediately. -ESN

“This sit at home, when activated is applicable to every Biafran doing Business in Lagos. Both shop owners, commercial bus drivers etc.” – Simon Ekpa

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News Politics

Wike To Ayu: I’ve No Other Job Now Than To Pepper You, The Fight Has Just Started

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared to Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who has been suspended by his political unit in Benue State that the fight against him in the party has just started.

The governor stated that it has now become unthinkable to allow any person who was unable to deliver his political unit, ward, local government or State to the PDP during the last general elections to preside over the party.

Governor Wike spoke on Monday during the inauguration of the remodeled Community Secondary School, Okoro-nu-Odo, in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the State.

The Rivers State governor accused Dr. Ayu of collecting bribe and the PDP experienced colossal failure in the 2023 presidential and governorship elections in Benue and across the country.

“Ask them, those who want to be chairman of this party (PDP), what do you have to give to the party now? Presidential election; you took bribe, and lost in your unit, lost in your ward, lost in your local government and lost in your State. Which party will you preside over now?”

Governor Wike said it was God who hardened Ayu’s heart not to resign when the G-5 governors and members of Integrity Group demanded for his resignation after the emergence of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the PDP presidential candidate.

He noted if Ayu had resigned then, his cohorts who were vehemently opposed to the zoning of elective and appointive offices would have used that as an excuse for the party’s abysmal performance in the just concluded general elections.

The governor said it will be morally offensive for Ayu to remain as the national chairman of the PDP after the catastrophic defeat of the party under his watch in his unit, ward, local government, State and national. According to him, the suspension of Ayu is the beginning of the fight to save the party.

“Those of you who are fighting that they have suspended him, you have not seen anything yet. The fight has started. Ayu, the fight has just started. If you know him, those of you who are close to him, tell him, Iyorchia Ayu, the fight has just started.”

Governor Wike insisted that instead of Dr. Ayu, using his position to strengthen the grip of PDP of Benue State, he allowed it slip off him. According to him, other PDP controlled States cannot sustain the party financially and tolerate him as their chairman.

“Will you preside over the one (Rivers PDP) I have secured victory for? You want to come and preside over this State (Rivers) so that we will begin to donate money to the party? You, bring your own State to the party too, so that your State can contribute money to the national. If you don’t deliver your State, you can’t preside over us. You cannot.”

Governor Wike noted that already, some persons within the party are thinking and acting to side with Dr Ayu to fight back the suspension slammed on him. He warned such persons that they will be doing so to their detriment because they would have consequences to face.

Specifically, governor Wike said: “look at somebody who did anti-party, he is suspending people. The chief priest of anti-party, native doctor of anti-party suspending those who have worked hard for this party.

“All of you who are joining Ayu, be prepared. Now, I have no other job, the job I have now is to put more heat on them and I will continue to do that.”

Governor Wike pointed out the nullity of the purported summoning of members of the National Working Committee of PDP to Abuja to meet and pronounce the suspension as illegal.

“If you like, let the National Secretary rush to Abuja. Let them meet this afternoon and say the suspension is illegal, you will see what you will face. You are calling us small boys, you will see what small boys can do to you.”

Governor Wike stressed that those who thought they could toil with Rivers State and not be dealt with squarely can begin to lick their wounds because they have been “peppered”.

Governor Wike also dismissed the claim by the former governor of the State, Chibuike Amaechi that he constructed five flyovers during his tenure and yet cannot list them for identification.

The governor restated that his administration, within four years, constructed 12 flyovers, handled by reputable construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, and went ahead to list the flyovers to clear any public doubt.

Governor Wike bemoaned the N50B squandered by the Amaechi administration on less than 2 kilometre monorail project that was never realised.

He wondered why Rivers residents still listen to such politicians when they come around to woe them to allow them fill spaces of political leadership when they failed on previous promises of providing democratic dividend.

Governor Wike thanked the people for voting massively to elect Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who is now Rivers State governor-elect.

Commenting on the project, governor Wike recalled the deplorable state of the school and said Rivers school children who school there will now have a conducive learning place to advance their education.

Inaugurating the project, governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi described governor Wike as a man who loves his people, which has informed the sustained delivery of projects across sectors to better their life.

He insisted that given such massive infrastructural revolution so delivered, it will be joke taken too far for any opposing political party to think and dare challenge to win PDP in Rivers State .

Governor Umahi corrected the impression in some quarters that Governor Wike worked against the victory of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi in Rivers State.

He explained that in 2019, it was governor Wike who tirelessly mobilised political leaders in South East to support the vice presidential ambition of Peter Obi after supporting him to win that slot.

Governor Umahi commended Ayu for not resigning when the G-5 governors and the members of the Integrity Group mounted pressure on him do so. According to him, if he had conceded to the demand then, it would have been difficult for the APC to win the last presidential election.

“I want to also thank very highly the suspended Chairman of PDP. You know, he did very well because if he had accepted to resign, it would have been very difficult for the APC. So, he is our man and I commend him very well. And I’m begging Wike they should lift the suspension so that he can suspend many more of your leaders. We love what he has done.

“And so we commend him and I think that Asiwaju (Bola Tinubu) must know that he worked for him, and must also integrate him in the next administration. And, so all these set of people, Asiwaju/Shettima must know that God turned their hands, to work for him, to actualize the will of God and actualize unity, equity and fairness. And we are very grateful to God for that.”

The Ebonyi State governor also praised governor Wike, whose insistence that a southern Nigeria must succeed President Muhammadu Buhari paved way for the electoral victory of the APC is the south of the country.

“God directly and indirectly made Governor Wike very much available. And so, there is no way APC can conclude about the success of the election without mentioning Governor Wike. And I will be asking Asiwaju/Shettima to please bring Governor Wike to the core administration of the federal government. He has a lot to offer. He has a lot to offer for the unity of the country.”

Providing the description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Special Projects, Deinma Iyalla said the school, founded in 1982, over the succeeding years, suffered dilapidation until the intervention of governor Wike.

According to him, there are one numbered unit of six and three classrooms block, three numbered unit six classrooms block, a storey building housing science laboratory, library and ICT, 300 sister Assembly hall, administrative building, a quarters for members of the National youths service corps and water supply facility.

In his address, Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chinedu Mmom noted that the premises once looked like an abandoned poultry farm but has been restored into a conducive educational facility.

On his part, Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, George Ariolu stated that the remodeled community secondary school is one in the series of magnificent projects governor Wike has delivered across the Rivers State.

According to him, the project now stands among other, as an eloquent testimony of governor Wike’s untiring commitment towards the provision of quality learning facilities for Rivers students.

Kelvin Ebiri

Special Assistant on Media to the Rivers State governor.

March 27, 2023.

Categories
Politics

Group Commends Sen Owan Enoh On CRS APC Victory, Recommend Him For Ministerial Position

“The leadership of Solidarity Frontiers in the Northern Senatorial district, comprising of the Zonal coordinator, the various local Governments coordinators and the Administrative secretary, Felicitates with our leader and initiator distinguished Senator John Owan Enoh for leading and charting the course of APC Victory in CRS.”

“As a true progressive, a political sociologist, leadership specialist, a sound administrator and a lover of peace, you demonstrated unprecedented level of respect before the mammoth crowd in Calabar, when the president elect, as a candidate then, instructed you to withdraw from court and support the party. In humility you obliged.Instantly, you set out with your strategies and commenced intense and agressive mobilization.”

“You were practically seen mobilizing party and non party supporters using your resources across the length and breath of Cross River state.
You practically brought the opposition party,the PDP, to it’s knees, even in areas considered to be their strong holds. Infact, the ‘Cartapillar’,as the PDP Governorship candidate prefers to refer to himself,couldn’t as much as bulldoze a track within his Local Government which you both share,talk more of his Senatorial district nor State in general.

When you observed the dismal electoral outting in our northern senatorial district in the first election, as a game changer you quickly mobilized and stormed the North.Your persuasive and indepth analytical presentation prevented a repeat performance in the Governorship election.

We commend you greatly. You have shown morality in politics; you have demonstrated faith and loyalty to the presidential candidate/National leader and,now President elect;you have displayed humility and respect for constituted authority. As a grassroot player, you have shown effective mobilization which resulted to the party victory. You have shown electoral value and strength by defeating the sitting Senator/PDP Governorship candidate in the Local Government you both share even without you being a candidate.We in solidarity frontiers are proud of you and commend this feat and therefore send you our joint congratulations.

Having achieved this much for our great party in Cross River State, we call on you to extend your tentacles to the National and demand for the Ministerial slot meant for the State.You have shown enough capacity. With this position in the Central, you will be able to assist the Governor Elect to consolidate and stabilize the party to win future elections with less stress.

We want to use this opportunity to once again congratulate his Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu on his victory and appeal to him to support the nomination of senator John Owan Enoh for the Ministerial position.”

Signed:
Hon Anyawho Sylvanus Admin Secretary Solidarity Frontiers

Categories
Opinion

Akin Ricketts: Tribute To An Unsung Hero

Akin Ricketts: Tribute To An Unsung Hero

In our world of big names, curiously, our true heroes tend to be anonymous. In this life of illusion and quasi-illusion, the people of solid virtues who can be admired for something more substantial than his well-knownness often proves to be the unsung hero: the teacher, the nurse, the public servant, the hard worker at lonely, highly underpaid, unglamorous, unpublicized job._ Daniel Boorstin

I chose to intentionally write this piece after the APC Central Senatorial Primary Election, as writing this before the primary, may be misconstrue by many as a work of a Political jobber or attention seeker. This is not to say that i didn’t anticipate victory for Chief Akin Ricketts in the just concluded election, i am only bemused that the APC delegates failed to see what I’ve seen in Akin Ricketts. They failed to see the true quality of leadership that I’ve seen in him. Nothing can be more axiomatic and befitting in describing Chief Akin Ricketts, than the words of Daniel Boorstin. In Cross River Central Senatorial District, Akin Ricketts is one of our foremost unsung hero.

Though born into a royal family in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, Chief Akin Ricketts has consciously remain self-effacing. He is also the Obol Kepon of Aboni (the Head of a lineage in Ugep). Despite his many portfolios but traditionally and Officially, he has quietly built monuments and epitaphs in the hearts of men with his good deeds, yet these deeds remain unsung. In all ramifications, Chief Akin Ricketts, is a shining star and a gift to Cross River State, especially Central Senatorial District. He is as constant as the Northern Star in quality, character and panache. A man of integrity and stellar qualities, whose integrity saw him through the turbulent and murky waters of conspiracy against his person by Political detractors. Chief Akin Ricketts was appointed the head of a grade A Federal Board–the Nigerian Port Authority Precisely. Due to his level of integrity, he was conspired against, petitioned and removed but was reappointed by the same administration few months later, after series of intensive audit. His reappointment is a testament to the fact that his level of integrity is uncompromising. For a nation as ours, it is near impossible to see a Public Office holder removed and reappointed without any form of indictment, but for Chief Akin Ricketts, integrity is everything. He is a humanitarian par excellence. To him, Politics is a means to an end not an end itself.

I enthusiastically followed the APC Central Senatorial primary because of Chief Akin Ricketts’ aspiration. I had expected the delegates to look beyond cabalistic sentiment and elect a pacesetter like Akin Ricketts as their Candidate. Amongst the array of men that indicated Interest in the Senatorial race, Akin Ricketts remain unrivalled.

As an individual and an Appointee of Government, Chief Akin Ricketts facilitated and completed 5 Roads in Yakurr, 3 Roads in Obubra, 2 Roads in ABI Local Government. He has influenced the appointment of 6 Lecturers in CRUTECH and 3 in UNICAL. He has influenced and offered many Federal appointments to Cross Riverians. Few months ago, he trained and empowered over 50 women in fashion designing across Central Senatorial District.

He has continued to carry out empowerment programme for widows. The first batch of his empowerment saw him empowering over 1000 widows across the Senatorial District. The second and third batch was the empowerment of over 150 and 350 widows respectively.

Chief Akin Ricketts has offered scholarship opportunities to many students from Central Senatorial District. To his credit, over 30 University Students are currently under his scholarship Scheme while over 50 Secondary School Students are currently enjoying same scholarship opportunity. As a way of creating employment opportunities, Chief Akin Rickett empowered Youths of Central SenatoriaI District with over 100 bikes. For the women, he empowered over 100 women with Sewing machines.

If there’s any leader in Cross River State that has consciously impacted on the lives of Cross Riverians, yet refused to blow his own trumpet, Chief Akin Ricketts is the one. As the current Chairman of Nigeria Port Authority, Chief Akin Ricketts has opened a new frontier for employment for qualified Cross Riverians and Nigerians at large. As a young man from Central Senatorial District, I am proud talking about Chief Akin Rickett. I pride myself in the fact that he has epitomized a modest form of philanthropy and service to humanity.

Conclusively, I want to assure Chief Akin Ricketts that he has the love and support of well meaning Cross Riverians as he deeds are forever evergreen. The APC cabal may have schemed him out of the Senatorial race, but to the ordinary people and the electorates, Chief Akin Ricketts is our unsung hero. May the odds favour him forever.

Categories
Politics

Sen Otu Won’t Disappoint Cross Riverians – De Cruise Network, Lauds APC Victory.

Front line All Progressives Congress, APC support group in Cross River State, De Cruise Network has thanked Cross Riverians for voting massively for the APC in the last governorship, National and state assembly elections.

The group in a statement signed by it Director General, Comrade Nji Egbe Nji assured Cross Riverians that the faith they’ve shown in the Governor-elect and majority of the National and State Assembly members will be rewarded with good governance.

According to the statement, “On behalf of the BoT and the entire Cruise Network, we want to congratulate our dear Governor-elect Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, His Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey. We also congratulate all the National and State Assembly members elected under the platform of APC and indeed the entire Cross River people for a very peaceful and successful election.

We are very grateful to the people of Cross River for not breaking the promises they made to us when we visited every corner of this state preaching the good news of Prince Otu and the APC.

Indeed, our people have shown that never again shall they allow themselves to be hoodwinked into playing emotional and divisive ethnic/religious cards with the overwhelming support they gave the APC in the last elections.

As we told them during our campaigns, we want to reassure them that they’ve made the best choice for Cross River. This is not about party or the famous back2south mantra. Our assurances is informed by the character and competence of the man they’ve elected as our Governor”.

The group added that “there’s one thing our people need to understand. The Governor-elect is not a Messiah nor magician. But he’ll work every day and night for the people of this state. He’ll give his all just to repay our people for the love they’ve shown him”.

While calling on other parties to join hands with the APC to build the state, the group maintained that “we’ve watched how elections in other states were characterised with violence, killing, and all of that. But the good thing with ours in Cross River is that, even those who lost can attest to the fidelity of the election.

We want to therefore,appeal to them to join hands with the Governor-elect to build the state. Politics is a game that has no room for a draw. In every election, a winner must emerge but for us, we see everybody as winner because the competition and resistance the opposition showed would spur the new government to prove that the people made the right choice by rejecting them for the APC”.

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News

Ayade tasks Muslims on peace, unity as Ramadan begins

Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has asked Muslim faithful to place peace and unity of Nigeria above any other thing as they commence the 30 day Ramadan fast.

A statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Barr. Christian Ita, quoted the Governor as urging the muslims to “reflect on the teachings of Ramadan as one of the five pillars of Islam through acts of kindness, generosity, love, unity and support for the weak.”

According to him, “Ramadan is a period of spiritual upliftment and devotion to Almighty Allah which the faithful should take advantage of to reinvigorate spiritually.”

The Governor called on the Muslim Community in the State, the Council of Imam and Schorlars as well as Muslim leaders to preach peaceful coexistence at all times.

“On behalf of the government and people of Cross River State, I call on the Ummah to take advantage of the Holy month to strengthen their commitment to the service of Allah and humanity.

“I urged you to continue to preach peace and peaceful coexistence in our dear state, which is known for brotherhood of all irrespective of tribe or religion. Also, I charge you to use this holy month of Ramadan to pray for peace in our country, Nigeria”, the Governor said.

Ayade commended the Muslim Community in the state for coming out en mass to participate in the just concluded 2023 elections and called on them “to give the same support you have given me to the incoming administration led by Senator Bassey Otu,”

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Politics

C’Riverians Have Spoken Loud and Clear – CRSG Chief of Staff, Hon Orim Congratulates CRS Governor-Elect, Sen Otu

The Chief of Staff to Cross River State Government, Hon. Dr. Martin Orim has congratulated Sen. Prince Bassey Otu on his victory at Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Dr. Martin Orim also congratulated the Obudu State House of Assembly Member-Elect, Hon Sylvester Agabi and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as the Cross River electorate.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, the APC candidate, as winner of the election, having pulled a total of 258,619 votes to defeat his runner up Sen. Sandy Onor who had 179,636.

Chief Orim, in his congratulatory message in Calabar on Thursday, described Sen Otu’s victory as well deserved, adding that it was a befitting honour for a man who, in the last two decades, had committed his time, energy, talent and resources to the development of the state.

“Cross Riverians have spoken loud and clear. The outcome of the election has shown that Cross Riverians are honourable people, who always support and reward leaders who have served them diligently and faithfully,” Chief Orim stated.

Categories
Politics

Sen Otu’s Victory An Endorsement Of Rotational Governorship – Prof. Akpagu 

Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress , APC, Prof. Zana Akpagu has congratulated winner of the March 18th governorship election in Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon Peter Odey for a successful outing.

Akpagu, in a congratulatory message said that the success of Sen. Otu from the Southern Senatorial district of the state has put a final seal on the rotational governorship debate as it’s more or less an endorsement by majority of Cross Riverians.

The APC stalwart maintained that in Otu, Cross Riverians have elected a Governor with the wherewithal to engineer and drive the needed change.

While calling on candidates of other parties to accept the outcome of the election as reflection of the mindsets of majority of Cross Riverians to join hands with the winners to move the state forward.

According to him, “I want to join millions of Cross Riverians and well wishers all over the world to congratulate my dear brother, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey on their emphatic victory in the last governorship election.

In Otu and Odey, Cross Riverians have elected forward thinking progressives with impressive antecedents of performance needed at this critical period to move our state forward. I commend the people of our state for not making mistake in their choices and by unequivocally, endorsing rotational governorship”.

The ex-Unical henchman appealed to Cross Riverians to give the duo time to settle down as the task ahead is enormous and will require the support of everybody.

“Elections are over. Governance for the new administration will commence on the 29th of May. I understand the expectations are high but I want to appeal to Cross Riverians to give them time to settle down because the task ahead will be herculean. There’ll be no quick fix.

I encourage every single Cross River person to pray and support the new administration. Those we have elected don’t know it all. The task of building a state is a huge one that requires all hands to be on deck. They’re the right match for us but they’ll need time to implement their ideas and programmes to move the state forward “, he added.