By Odey Ojeka
The arrival of equipment for the installation of street lights in Ugep community of Yakurr local government area has drawn mixed reactions from the locals.
The equipment CrossRiverWatch gathered, signaled the intent of Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade to fulfill the promise he made during this year’s edition of the Leboku festival where he was conferred with the title of Obol Kogbogbo which means ‘King of light.’
Mr. Ayade in his remarks had said the title had challenged him to do more for the Ugep community and Yakurr nation at large.
“I decided to received this chieftaincy title because I love Ugep community and as the king of light in Ugep, I will make sure there will be street light in Ugep,” Ayade had said.
And, the Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubana while addressing a general assembly on Saturday at his palace, commended the effort of the Governor.
He said that: “We need to appreciate governor Ben Ayade because he has fulfilled all the promised he made. He has constructed toothpick factory in Ekori, employed 500 yakurr people in Ugep Urban development Authority and today he would send two power plants in our community so that street lights would be installed in Ugep urban.”
For Ikpi Ubi, a commercial motorcyclist, the street lights will be a valuable asset to them and meant Mr. Ayade deserved a second term in office.
“Governor Ben Ayade deserve a second term in office. He has really done well because street lights plays a huge role in making neighborhoods feels safe. With street lighting, we can increase visibility for motorcycles and pedestrians at night,” Ubi said.
But, John Eteng who said the installation of the street lights was welcomed, stressed that the people of Ugep wanted something bigger.
“The construction of solar panel street lights in Ugep urban is a good development. But, if Governor Ben Ayade does not give our yobol Lopon Paramount rulership before January, majority of us would not vote him in 2019,” Eteng said.
The equipment which arrived on Saturday evening are currently in the custody of the Police area command in Ugep. It is expected that the project will be completed by mid January 2019.
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