by crossriverwatch admin
Venatius Ikem needs little or no introduction in Cross River and National politics. He is a lawyer. He was Obudu Local Government Chairman at 26 years. He was also former National Spokesman of the ruling PDP and has been Commissioner several times in Cross River State among other things.
He is presently the deputy DG of the Goddy Jedy Agba Campaign Organization. In this interview with CrossRiverWatch, he speaks on the horse trading that is dogging the race to Peregrino House in 2015 among other things.
Excerpts:
CrossRiverWatch: It seems to us that the Governor is bent on not allowing your Principal Godwin Jedy Agba any chance to contest at all for the governorship race.
Vena: It is looking so to me too. Except that we are enjoying the irony because that is what is fueling Goddy Agba’s massive support, making him the rave of the moment.
CrossRiverWatch: Do you really believe that with all these obstacles he will be able to contest under the PDP platform?
Vena: Of course we are not contemplating any other platforms. The reception he is getting from the rank and file members of the party has more than made up for whatever we would have expected from other quarters but I am still optimistic that the Governor will come around at the appropriate time. Obstacles sometimes become steps upon which you climb to higher heights.
CrossRiverWatch: It is observed that Goddy Jedy Agba has not been very active in the field lately and there have been rumors about his health. Can you throw some light on this?
Vena: As a normal human being we all get ill sometimes but there is no cause for alarm. Jedy is done with his check up and will soon be back on the beat especially now that the time-table is being considered. I spoke to him last night and he is upbeat about the election. Besides, Jedy makes only strategic appearances because sometimes in politics scarcity is an asset. Being too available makes a candidate too common and can become counter-productive.
CrossRiverWatch: As an experienced politician, what is your overall impression on the governorship race in Cross River State towards the 2015 election?
Vena: I can summarize it in one word: amusing. I think the Governor has trivialized the process and maybe is deliberately making a mockery of the northern senatorial district. By the grace of God our people are seeing through the gimmicks and will come out to support whoever they prefer. Antics like caucuses will not deter them. People are determined to have a free, fair and participatory process. Awareness is very high.
CrossRiverWatch: But what exactly does Jedy Agba stand for?
Vena: Change! His aspiration is to inject new and fresh thinking into our government process. Effect changes where necessary. Free the process from too much secrecy and control. Create new sources of revenue and employment opportunities for young people. He will launch his blueprint soon.
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