Millions of party
faithful, support groups, youths, traders as well as various social groups,
Tuesday, thronged Ukelle and Okpoma in Yala Local Government Area as well as
the Ogoja Township Stadium as Governor Ben Ayade flagged of his re-election
campaign in Northern Cross River.
Decked in their different regalia and armed with posters and
banners, they proclaimed the governor as the best thing to happen to the State.
At Wanikande in Okpoma, a prominent member of the All
Progressives Party (APC) and a former governorship aspirant, Dr. Julius Okpotu,
decamped to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Received by Governor Ayade and members of the PDP campaign
council at the venue of the campaign rally, Okpotu said governor Ayade would be
reelected on account of his sterling performance in office.
He said Ayade’s support base cuts across party lines, adding,
“even members of the APC will work to get him re-elected.”
“I am here because of the good works of Governor Ayade. He
has worked tirelessly to change the story of Cross River. His re-election
therefore, will be a smooth sail.”
Chanting solidarity songs, the enthusiastic crowd, in
appreciation of Governor Ben Ayade’s developmental strides, vowed to protect
their votes for the governor’s return.
This even as the paramount ruler of Yala Local Government
Area, Buturo Godwin Denis Odu, said the people of ogoja have decided that
Ayade must go back to government house to complete his wonderful performance.
In his word: “we are oracle and we have spoken that our son
must return.”
Earlier, the council of chiefs of ukelle received the
governor and his team and prayed and blessed him for a smooth re-election.
The clan head, Anthony Eji, stated “you are our son and our
people are fully with you as you have represented us well and we would not
disappoint and abandon you now”.
Responding, Ayade said: “I know I have done a lot by
appointing 6000 appointees, engaged 2500 teachers and 1000 nurses among others,
but surely I will know no sleep until everyone of you here gets a job.”
The governor who apologized for the inconveniences created by
dust at the ongoing 148km northern dual carriage way, enjoined the people to
bear with him as such a gigantic project could not have been completed within
two years.
He disclosed that the Okpoma water project has been completed
among other projects aimed at alleviating the pains of the people.
“This is the turn of the north as both south and central have
had their different eight years as governors, so do not allow anybody to come
and stop this road we are constructing.”
At the Ogoja township stadium, overwhelming crowd of
supporters who waited into the night to welcome the Governor burst ecstasy upon
his arrival.
An obviously elated Ayade who spoke after some dance steps
said: “I thank you for your patience as only the Ogoja people can come
together in darkness. Today, I am proud that I am an Ogoja son as no where in
this country will you have a rally in this darkness and witness such peace and
tranquility as i have seen here now”
At a meeting with the traditional rulers held at Ogoja
council hall, the governor disclosed that he intends to organise a leadership
and security training for the traditional institution, adding that, he will
also ensure that chiefs yet to receive certificate of recognition are duly
recognized.
PDP bigwigs who were at the rally,including Chief
Asuquo Ekpenyong, Senator Rose Oko and the coordinator of Cross River
presidential elections, Barr Chris Agara enjoined the governor to return home
and sleep as there was no need to campaign, having since embarked on giant
strides aimed at impacting favourably on the citizenry.