Admin l Saturday, February 11, 2023
CALABAR, Cross River – Council of Traditional rulers and chiefs in Obubra Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State led by the paramount ruler, HRM, Ovarr Clement Ewona, on Friday openly rejected in strong terms the gubernatorial aspiration of Senator Sandy Onor of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
The traditional rulers expressed their disgust and rejection of the PDP candidate when the Cross River State All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign team, led by the state governor, Prof. Ben Ayade in company of the party’s governorship candidate, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu and party leadership visited the palace of HRM Ovarr Ewona.
Taking a swipe at the PDP candidate, Sandy Onor, HRM Ovarr Ewona said: “We try to advise our people that the government of today is good and on ground. One of our brothers came here, trying to seek our support. For today, the PDP should stay away and wait for their time. As far as the APC government is concerned, all arrangements they have made from the beginning, South, Central and North is good. We should all go back again and start from the beginning. Nobody should come from the Central and say I want to be governor by force.”
Coming from a traditional ruler from the central senatorial district of the state, the position of HRM, Ovarr Ewona has further fragmented the lean opportunities of the PDP, creating a major setback for the governorship ambition of Senator Onor who also hails from the central senatorial district of the state.
The royal father, in company of his Council of Chiefs thereafter, offered blessings and pledged support for the APC gubernatorial candidate and other candidates of the party.
Speaking at the rally, Prince Otu, the APC gubernatorial flag bearer, assured he will scale up the agricultural value chain, making Obubra a leading Agricultural hub in the State.
“I’m pleased and amazed at this overwhelming crowd, I have known that Obubra is APC, we thank you for coming out in your numbers to support us.
“The people of Obubra are known for Agriculture, you have one of the best soil, if you elect me, I will support and scale up your agricultural value chain. We will make sure Obubra becomes a leading Agricultural hub in the State.
“The incoming administration will provide road infrastructures linking various communities in this local government to the national grid. The boundary disputes will be a thing of the past. I will ensure that Obubra is secured so that you can do your businesses without fear,” he vowed.
Applauding Governor Ayade for laying a solid foundation for the liberation of Cross River State, Otu said: “Before 2015, we had no economy in the State, the impediment we had in the State was lack of proper foundation. Ayade came and laid the structures for the enfranchisement of Cross River. He made the job easy. I am going to build radically on the existing foundation.”
Senator Otu promised the people that his administration will centre on three E’s which includes, Employment, Empowerment and Emancipation for the aged, youths and women of Cross River State.
Also speaking, Ayade, the outgoing governor, decried the political oppression of the Obubra people and said it is time for Obubra to rise.
“Since the death of John Okpa, Obubra has been politically oppressed because of your intelligence, when I became governor, I appointed two commissioners from here. It’s time for Obubra to rise,” Ayade declared.
He used the occasion to call on the people to vote and support all APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.
