by crossriverwatch admin
From the front runners to the clowns, down to outright pretenders, sixteen persons have so far shown interest in the position of the chairman of Yala Local Government Area in the yet to be scheduled Local Government Council Elections in Cross River State.
Even as the elections are still several months away, they have been hype in activities across the state.
From Bakassi to Obanlikwu, aspirants have been busy criss-crossing their local government areas to “consult” kingmakers seeking for support to brighten their chances of becoming elected to the position of chairmen and Councillors.
In Yala Local Government Area, where the post is currently occupied by Mr. Gab Ugor, of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), a plethora of aspirants under the PDP platform have also indicated interest to run against the incumbent who is said to be interested in returning to the post for a second tenure come December 2013.
Those who have so far indicated interest for the position include Mr. Casmir Obok, Barrister Daniel Ugbama, Mr.
Clement Obok, Emmanuel Unah, Henry Onwe and Mark Uzor.
Others are Mike Usibe, Emmanuel Ezama, Ogar Clement, Hon. Anwegbe, Mr. Simeon Ujiji, Mr. James Ikpa, Mr. Francis Ulakom and Mr. Egere.
The bulk of the contenders come from the northern Ukele axis, constituency two where the ruling party’s ticket is being zoned to.
Though some aspirants from south Ukele in the same constituency are said to be interested, from our investigation, the ticket is likely to go to Ukele north to allow for equity and justice as well as to satisfy the yearnings of the minorities in that area who are desirous of tasting the chairmanship position which has repeatedly eluded them.
“Perhaps it is in that understanding that nobody from constituency one has indicated interest to contest and I think that it is okay to allow them too to have a feel of the position” Barrister Ede Iji, an Ogoja based legal practitioner told crossriverwatch.
As the days and months go by, there is also the likelihood that the number of aspirants would increase.
“As I talk to you now, the number of aspirants is increasing. There are some in Abuja who are preparing to come home and declare their intentions to contest” Mr Friday Eje, a political stalwart from the area said.
Aspirants under other parties like the ACN and ANPP which also have strong presence in the council area are yet to publicly indicate interest in the position.