by crossriverwatch admin
The pervasive conformity in the northern part of Cross River State was again jolted on the 31st of December 2013 when the Jedy Solidarity Movement, JSM, a group which supports the governorship aspiration of Goddy Jedy Agba held a symposium at the Civic Center in Obudu.
Jubilant and expectant volunteers, party supporters and members of other youth groups in the Obudu, Obanlikwu, Bekwara Federal Constituency had filled the civic center venue before mid day with a large contingent standing at the rare of the hall.
The symposium themed: 2015-Pathway to the Future was chaired by Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba who was represented at the event.
In his remark, Barrister Venatius Ikem who was Special Guest said: “One very remarkable thing that we have achieved as a group is the zoning of the governorship to the North. We all have to congratulate the governor, the caucuses and the party for having the courage to take that decision. For us in the North to start dividing ourselves with where someone comes from is deceptive.
“Some people have been talking about us supporting a candidate that is not our son. They do not deserve to even be engaged but we should remind them that Goddy’s mother is also from Ukwel-Obudu.
“We can no longer be deceived by such cheap argument. We have our own son who has summoned the courage to say he wants to govern the state. That he wants to bring his experience, expertise and connections to open our state to development.
“That is what should be our focus. So when people come with divisive stories of where anyone comes from, we should not waste our time to engage them because such persons do not mean well for the cause that we are pursuing.
Dr. David Ugal of the University of Calabar in his keynote address said 2015 in Cross River State will be very historic. “In Cross River State, 2015 is going to be very historic because the state will be doing or conducting election that will change the mantle of leadership from the incumbent to another. The dominant political party in the state has zoned the seat to the Northern senatorial district. There are different political calculations.
“So who does the cap fits up north? The credentials of the person on whose instance we are here stands as an octopus, a colossus that bestrides the political and socio-economic landscape of the nation.
“Matchless in several fronts, he can deliver on his electioneering campaign promises. He is very educated, properly connected, economically and personally independent and shall be independent even in his policies as governor.
“He holds the key to the actualization of the MDGs, better economic development and vibrant connections for our common good”.
In a brief chat with CrossRiverWatch, coordinator of the group, Mr. Utsu Atsu said the success of the program exceeded their expectation and thought them a few lessons too.
“Frankly speaking we did not expect this level of turn our and enthusiasm. It shows clearly that our people are desirous of political action. Our people want to be heard but our politicians are simply denying the people the space to be active as at when due.
“We are encouraged by this massive response and we will take lessons that we have learnt from here to the next symposium. We are actually going round the eight federal constituencies with the message. This initial one is for Obudu/Obanlikwu/Bekwara Federal Constituency. Ogoja/Yala is the next point of call and so on and so forth.
“Our ultimate goal is to inject fifty thousand new voters. People who attained age 18 after the last voter registration exercise. New voters whose minds are still fresh and excited about the possibility of voting for the first time. We also want to identify the Door-to-Door volunteers as we go round. Build alliance and spread the Godilogo gospel across the state.
“Those who want to join the team can simply join us at www.votejedyagbaforgov.com and will be contacted. We know that ultimately, Jedy will become governor and our state will be better for it.
Solidarity messages were also taken from Dr. Peter Betiang, A contingent of Traditional Rulers, Hon. Ben Abua, the President of Obudu Youth Movement For the Actualization of Northern Governor, Okom Sunday amongst several others.
Also at the event were ward executives of the ruling PDP, a contingent from Ikom Local Government and a former chairman of Obudu local government, Dr. Abu Undiandeye.
see more @ http://crossriverwatch.com/jedy-solidarity-movement-jsm-one-day-symposium/
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