…laud gov’s industrialization drive
Ahead Saturday’s gubernatorial election, Cross River State
governor, Professor Ben Ayade’s support base received a boost with his
endorsement Tuesday by the leaderships of Social Democratic Party (SDP)
and Labour Party (LP) in the State.
The two parties said their adoption of the governor was
predicated on his record in office in the last three and a half years.
At a meeting with the state’s number one citizen at the
governor’s office in Calabar, chapter chairmen of the two opposition parties
from the 18 council areas in the state pledged to join forces with the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) to deliver him for a second term.
Chairman of Forum of Chairmen of SDP, Clement Ene told
Governor Ayade that his signature projects speak for him. “After a
critical assessment of your giant strides, especially your industrialization
efforts across the state, including the 275 km super highway, we have come to
join forces with you in the interest of the state to move it to higher
heights,” Ene stated.
On his part, state Chairman of the Labour Party, Baron Eyo
assured that Ayade’s re-election was a fait accompli. “Other candidates
have not shown any act of seriousness which is why we are here to support
you, we will do everything within our capacity to mobilize support for
the PDP and the governor to succeed, ” Eyo said.
Director-General of the PDP campaign council in the state and
the immediate past Deputy governor, Barrister Effiom Cobham commended the
courage of the two opposition parties to stand firm on the side of truth and
history.
Reacting to his adoption by the parties, Governor Ayade
described the action as a manifestation of common love for Cross River.
“Our brothers and sisters in the Labour Party and the
SDP have come together to say, let’s have peace, let’s keep the catalytic
political balance that has created Cross River as a unique state where power
migrates from South to central, North and then returns to south,” the
governor said.
Ayade said he accepted his adoption and thanked leadership of
the SDP and Labour Party, describing the action as “a celebration of
civilization and purity of our people.”
He maintained that upon the completion of his second term in
office in 2023, power, in line with the rotational principle in the state, will
shift to Cross River Southern Senatorial zone.