By Nsa David
Mr. Emmanuel Essien Robson, has accused the current administration of Senator Ben Ayade of Cross River State of highhandedness and impunity in the discharge of his duties as Governor of the State.
The accusation was made in Calabar, Transcorp Hotels as he declared interest in unseating Senator Ben Ayade in the 2019 general election.
His words:
“Dear brothers and sisters, I have not come here for business as usual. I have come to make a difference to give Cross River State a rebirth, not in words, but in actions. I still have pleasant memories of this great State: our colorful culture and friendly people.
“Those little pictures still play up in my head of a Cross River State being rated as the most peaceful State in the country, Calabar being publicized as the cleanest city in the country with very clean streets, and well tender side lawn on both sides of the highway, the functional street lamps and traffic lights, then our globally acknowledged and appreciated green tropical forest across the State.
“I still remember the eccitement associated with the mention of tinapa; the sheer curiosity and enthusiasm to visit the Obudu mountain resort and the breath taking experience of ultimately spending a night in this stupendous tourist destination by reason of its exotic luxury and exclusive world class appeal.
“In recent times, the core infrastructure in the State and the conditions of life of the people have degenerate to a pitiable State. Our resources have been poorly managed. The entired State is inundated with heartbreaking signs of systems decay and failure of leadership.
“Cross River State is no longer the destination of choice for most Nigerians and foreign tourist because of the total breakdown of infrastructure and services for which the state was known. Everything is in a visible state of deterioration. The corollary is that our collective progress has been undermined. There is an urgent need for credible leadership. I have discovered in my travels across the State that there is widespread discomfort.
“I see the frustrations of my people. I see pervasive poverty. I see hunger and discontentment. I see widespread insecurity and hopelessness. I see flourishing mediocrity across the entire State. These are no virtues!
“Our dilapidated infrastructure; our roads have become dead traps unsafe; sadly, I have seen a lot of school aged children wandering on the street of Calabar. We don’t need a sociologist to tell us that this scenario is an indicator of a brewing large scale social disaster waiting to happen. Those children represent the future of cross river state whether we like it or not. And this is significant to the Emmanuel Essien Robson vision. A vision to give Cross River State a rebirth again, the gruesome activities of cultists and the spate of armed robbery in the State are equally heart breaking.
“And what about the frightening incidence of kidnapping ? These are all basic signs of system decay and failure of leadership. Our people must not be kept in this condition anymore. What happened to our social vibrancy? Who took away our cultural verve and splendor? What happened to that bustling tourism destination of choice? What condition have degraded our dignity and pride as a people? Our glory must return!
“We have all been awakened to the rapid devastation of our collective heritage and sense of pride. It is like an encircling contagion our economy has been ruined. Our social environment defaced. The cross river state people have been short changed. It is unfortunate that the entire political system of our State thrives on propaganda, outright falsehood and fake promises this is even worsened by an unholy level of impunity and high handedness our state is in serious trouble! This is no time of rhetoric the youths need jobs our economy needs revitalized and stability, our people need prosperity peace and security the children need education, our infrastructure require revamping our public service need innervations our agricultural needs innovation there is need for intensive human capital development a government run and controlled by cronies cannot do this job. We must stop cronyism!
“In this 21st century we need a convincingly innovative drive to propel our economy to sustainable property as apeoples paradise, Cross River State should be a land flowing with milk and honey in every sense of it. To make this happen, we need to elect leaders with the vision and an unusual commitment to serve selflessly and prudently. We need to elect leaders with a substance and character we need a dynamic people minded and purpose driven governor to restore the dignity pride and glory of Cross River State each time I reflect on these concerns I feel a burning desires to step in and give our dear state a rebirth.” Robson said.
Earlier, Alhaji Bola Tinubu who chaired the inauguration ceremony maintained that “Emma is a good candidate.”
Adding that, “Our target should be to take over the government of this state and to do so our choices should not be limited.”
Chief Ina went on to kick against the zooming formula in the State saying anyone found worthy should be elected.
He concluded by maintaining that as Wilfred Ina he hasn’t endorse Robson as he is a father who will attend to others with same ambition.
Watch report on CrossRiverWatch TV.
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