By Denis Inakefe, anipr
The Cross River State Governor, His Excellency, His Excellency Senator Bassey Otu, has officially welcomed Hon Ashakia Pius, a member representing the Obanliku Local Government in the Cross River State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with his supporters and staunch PDP faithfuls on Saturday at the Civic Center in Obanliku.
The Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, represented by the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Sylvester Agabi, urged Hon Ashakia to align with the party leadership in the State and Local Government to attract development to the people of Obanliku, adding that Ashakia’s defection was in the best interest of the people of Obanliku and not a selfish move.
Hon Agabi assured the defectors that they would enjoy equal rights and privileges within the APC, stressing that the party does not discriminate and remains united and without division. “In there is nothing like old and new APC members. Align yourself completely with the Executive Chairman of the Local Government and the party chairman and everything will be taken care of,” Agabi said. He further encouraged the Defectors and party members to return to their various wards and ensure APC’s dominance at their respective communities.
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, represented by Hon Thomas Aruku, Ogoja House of Assembly Member assured Hon Ashakia and other defectors that through his office, all dividends of democracy and development that the Local Government may have missed in the time of Ashakia’s absence from the ruling party would be returned to the people of Obanliku.
“Most of the things we influence to our constituency are rooted through the party, and the gap that has existed against Hon Ashakia as a member of the PDP has been broken by his defection to the APC”, Aruku added. He went on to praise the political efficiency and doggedness of the current Executive Chairman, Hon. Sunny Ayang, describing him as a grassroots politician who has served in different capacities, including serving as a two-term chapter chairman.
The Executive Chairman of the Council, Chief Sunny Ayang, in his welcome address, applauded Hon Ashakia for the bold step taken to join the ruling Party. He assured the Defectors of the needed support, an equal playing ground, and a cordial relationship for a better and prosperous Obanliku.
Hon Sunny Ayang, in a bid to solidify his promise of unifying the party, gave an appointment slot to Hon Ashakia. He also used the opportunity to reemphasize his commitment to the development of Obanliku, assuring that changing the infrastructural looks of the Headquarters Sankwala, remains his administration’s top priority.
The Chapter Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pst George Ejikang, expressed his delight over the defection of Hon Ashakia. He assured a level playing ground for all the defectors to the ruling APC.
The APC Ward Chairman of Basang represented by the Secretary, Mr Douglas Achakah, expressed relief, stating that the political challenges in his ward were over with Hon Ashakia’s defection. He noted that the ward has been unified with the defection of Ashakia. He assured that the APC would enjoy peace and unity during future electioneering activities.
Hon Pius Ashakia, in his defection speech, stated that “having seen the good works of the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, the Speaker Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem and the Executive Chairman of Obanliku, I have decided not to place Obanliku on a disadvantage. It will be unwise to allow Obanliku to be tagged as an opposition Local Government when there is no need for opposition.”
Ashakia said that having studied the situation carefully, he has decided to join the ruling APC. “I consider myself a unifying factor in Obanliku politics and I expect that the wise politicians in Obanliku will follow my move to the APC. If I do not socket Obanliku to the center, we may not get it right.” He promised to work towards securing victory for the APC in future elections.
Among those present were the Community Relations Officer, Chief Linus Afen, the Leader of the Council, Hon Sunday Elam, along with the Ward Councillors, the Secretary of Council, Dr Joseph Agba, supervisors, political appointees, APC stakeholders, and members.
© Sentrytimes News
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