By Thompson Anika
The Cross River Central Senatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress APC, Obol Akin Ricketts has promised to deliver the district to the Party if picked as its candidate for the 2019 election.
Obol Ricketts, stated this when he picked his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms from the National secretariat of the party over the weekend in Abuja.
The immediate past Commissioner for Information described himself as the master stroke that will win the election for the APC, pointing out that the massive goodwill he enjoys among the constituents who conferred on him the revered traditional title of Obol Nkama 1 of Ugep over three decades ago, puts him in good stead to win their votes for the party.
He affirmed that the people adore and look up to him as their traditional ‘defender’, ‘protector’ and ‘provider’ based on his populist philosophical slogan of ‘cow wey no get tail’
He stressed that his political genealogy as grandson of Late Chief (Sir) Noel Ofem, the first paramount ruler of Old Yakurr and member of the House of Chiefs representing Old Abakaliki Province in the Eastern Region, also means the people won’t have an issue trusting him to represent them.
“My late grandfather was a staunch political associate of First Republic President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and also worked closely with political heavyweights like Chief Michael Okpara, Eze (Dr.) Sir Francis Ibiam, Chief Mbonu Ejike, among others.
Obol Ricketts, who is a Public Relations and Communication expert said his commitment to community development, entrepreneurship and philanthropy make him tower above others in flying the party’s ticket, adding that he will strive to add value to legislative representation in the red chambers of the National Assembly as have never been done before.
“This is expectedly borne out of the fact that I am a trusted ‘fellar’, who is well revered by all and has genuine capacity to add value to whatever I do anywhere I find mself,” he averred.
The Ugep-born High Chief said he boasts of wide experience spanning several years in entrepreneurship development, business management with high acumen in business interests cutting across oil and gas, maritime and shipping, construction, clearing and forwarding among others.
The Central Senatorial hopeful maintained that, added to his reputable accounts is his public servant endeavor as Commissioner for Information under Governor Liyel Imoke which places him high with unbeatable track records that further enhances his qualification for the ticket.
Obol Ricketts appealed to his Party leaders and members to allow him demonstrate his progressive credentials and penchant for organizational skills that will deliver good governance for the senatorial district, if picked.
“Giving the senatorial ticket to a tested, unassuming politician of high pedigree and with full support of other political heavy weights in the constituency would certainly make the job of electioneering campaigns very easy and guarantee victory for the All Progressive Congress (APC) ahead of other political parties,” he emphasized