By Odey Ojeka
Fourth term federal lawmaker, Honorable Bassey Ewa (PDP Abi/Yakurr) has declared his intention to run for the position of the Senator representing Cross River central senatorial district.
Mr. Ewa made the declaration when he visited the Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubana in his palace yesterday in Yakurr.
Accompanied by the former Chairman of the local government area, Mr. Ikpi Akpama, Mr. Ewa said his visit was to seek the support and blessings of the monarch and his council.
The monarch in his remarks charged Mr. Ewa to aid in sensitising youths against the use of arms during elections and prayed for him.
Mr. Ewa agreed to this and said: “I will like us to work together as one Yakurr as it used to be in those days.
“We have also written that any person that arms youths with weapons to commit crimes should be arrested.”
Ewa who also alleged that, “some of our politicians are causing evil to our youths,” wondered why they were not been empowered instead and maintained that: “My fathers, for me I have warned every youth not to use weapons in elections, they should use their mouth to tell people about my good work. So as to convince them in the elections.”
Mr. John Owan-Enoh, who had spent 12 years in the House of Representatives is currently occupying the seat Mr. Ewa is gunning for.
The duo alongside Mr. Essien Ayi (PDP Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi) have spent a combine 36 years in the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ewa is said to be eyeing the Senate as political watchers say Abi indigenes are insisting on the position.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ayi on Monday visited the Infant Jesus motherless babies home, Pope John Paul aged peoples home and the Cross River State motherless and physically challenged people home in Calabar.
Mr. Ayi pledged continuous support to the social homes and donated gift items as well as cash.
Receiving the gifts, the matron in charge of the Infant Jesus social home, Rev. Sis. Christiana Chimenem, commended Mr. Ayi for his gesture.
Mr. Ayi is said to be gunning for a fifth term in office while facing stiff opposition from his protégé and Mr. Lebo’s deputy, Mr. Joseph Bassey (PDP Calabar South 1).
The visits, political watchers say are typical when the polls are always near.
However, the lawmaker later visited the central mosque at Bogobiri where he also made a donation of NGN1 million to the building project which the Secretary of the building committee and mosque, Mallam Hashimu Abubakar and the Chief Imam, Garuba Dandali offered prayers for him.
