by crossriverwatch admin
Former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP National Director of Publicity, Barrister Venatius Ikem has given reasons why he is routing for the Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC Mr. Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR as governor of Cross River State come 2015.
The former two time Commissioner and Chairman of Obudu LGA who is currently engrossed in a flurry of political activities aimed at helping the NNPC helmsman clinch the party ticket declared on his facebook wall that: “For those who do not understand why I decided to root for Goddy Jedy Agba OFR, as Governorship candidate of the PDP in CRS in the 2015 election, I have these to say:
“First I consider him eminently qualified by his career experience, having worked in the public service of Nigeria for over 20 years, spanning the Ministries of FCT, foreign Affairs and currently, Petroleum Resources, where he has served with distinction earning a National Honour for his efforts.
“Secondly, he hails from CR North Senatorial District. Where by popular understanding the next Governor is expected to emerge from.
“Thirdly, he is humble, unassuming, warm and has an easy going personality. Most importantly, knowing the political polarisation in the State, I see him as a neutral figure, capable of providing a platform to accommodate all contending forces: the new, the founders, the established and the aspirants to relevance!
“Yes, he is the only one I see who can unite all the forces as well as provide the needed fresh air for new ideas to thrive in the state. For new hope to be borne in those who feel shut out of the political space.
“He also has the reach and capacity to attract new interests to the State with that critical paradigm shift in additional ideas to deepen our democracy and development aspirations as a state. He has the capacity to reposition the State as an oil producing state, with industry knowledge.
“The time for that change for me clearly is now! The man to lead the way clearly is a man of such standing and experience. Unblemished in controversy all through his service career.
“Need I say more? Do I need better reasons? He queried.
This declaration is coming on the heels of controversy generated by the stand of most of the federal legislators from the state who hold that the governor, Senator Imoke must be given the prerogative to decide to succeed him from the PDP.
Federal Lawmakers from the Central Senatorial District met in Calabar last month and in the communiqué release from the meeting asked the governor to choose his successor and all of them will follow his decision.
The leaders maintained that that is the best way to ensure peaceful transition of power and party cohesion.
There are plans by the Northern Senatorial district to hold a similar meeting to also take the same position with the Central while the Southern Senatorial district has held theirs and arrived at the same position.
Not minding that there are also strong indications that the governor is not favorably disposed to the ambition of Jedy, and his open support for Jedy may put him on further collision course with his erstwhile boss, Barrister Ikem seem not to give any damn. He said: “Being ‘Normal’ is boring! Try something rebellious. It’s exciting.”
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