By Archibong Jeremiah/Frank Edima
The Cross River State People’s Democratic Party, PDP governorship flag bearer, Senator Ben Ayade has promised President Goodluck Jonathan, 1.1 million votes out of a total of 1,175,623 registered voters in Cross River State.
Senator Ayade made the pledge while speaking after receiving the party’s flag from the party’s national chairman, Alhaji Mu’azu in Calabar today.
The flag was handed over to Ayade during the presidential campaign rally of the ruling PDP which berthed in Calabar today as the President did a stop-over on his way to Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital.
While addressing supporter who thronged the U.J. Esuene stadium, Ayade said: “Every man needs an educated leader, if Jonathan can make it from a humble background, you too can make it. Imoke has told us we must deliver you; we will give you 1.1 million votes from Cross River State”.
While responding, the President appreciated efforts made by Cross Riverians to host him. He said “Our focus will be on the young people when you send us back, to that effect, that is why my campaign chairman is a young man”.
The president applauded Cross River as one of the cleanest states in the country and called on Cross Riverians to support the state governorship candidate and his running mate, Professor Ben Ayade and Professor Ivara Esu promising that “If you vote them in we will work together to ensure that in the next four years to come we will focus on young people”.