By Patrick Obia
Former All Progressive Congress gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 general election in Cross River State, Sen. John Owan Enoh has described the just concluded Local Government election in the State as a “charade and an abuse of Democratic process”, saying APC will overcome the present challenges rocking the party and take over the glorious future.
Owan Enoh in his 54th birthday press statement said he foresees influx of members from other parties trooping into APC in near future as the opposition party is working to settle it’s internal differences, calling on those involve to come together to form a formidable force adding that, what is more important to him is that APC take over power in 2023 in Cross River State.
He call on APC candidates who vyed for Chairmanship and Counselorship positions whom according to him “were denied by CROSIEC” to remain calm and unbowed as posterity will not forgive them if they fail to seize power when it is right.
“Let me use this opportunity to express my profound appreciation to all those who personally called me, sent goodwill messages to my phone and on various WhatsApp groups to wish me a happy birthday. I am highly elated and humbled by your kind words, friendship, and the generosity of your spirit. While I thank God Almighty for his kindness and his immense grace that has kept our hopes and aspirations alive, I have continued to reflect on the political challenges confronting our party in the State and of course the fate of Cross River under the present political leadership.
“Although I have refrained from making public statements so far on these issues, I sincerely believe that there is no greater demonstration of my position regarding the governance of our State more than my governorship aspiration in 2019. Unfortunately, the challenges I highlighted on the campaign trail still hold true today and has even worsened. It is in plain sight for all to see. This reality further reinforces my conviction that the growth and prosperity of our State can only be realized through an alternative platform fundamentally different from the present status quo.
“A few months ago, I was widely quoted in the media to have canvassed the position. What is more important to me is that APC takes over Cross River State in 2023. It does not matter by who. This statement speaks to my sense of commitment to collective interest and underscores the essence of my politics.
“The All Progressive Congress (APC) in our State is enmeshed in crisis further worsened by the inability of the contending forces to yield their entrenched positions. External forces have also continued to work hard to destabilize our party and prevent it from living up to its full potential. In spite of these formidable challenges, I see hope on the horizon, the hope of the party defeating the unrelenting manipulation to come together as one formidable force. I am confident that in due course, APC in Cross River State will forge a common front to achieve the unity that has so far eluded us and transform into a party to be reckoned with. I foresee the influx of so many political players from the other parties in Cross River State into a united and vibrant APC. We must make this vision a reality by embracing the path to peace and by making the necessary sacrifices.
“The just-concluded Local Government elections in our State can at best be described as a charade and an abuse of the democratic process. It was not all-inclusive and did not reflect the will of our people. I urge all our Chairmanship candidates for the 18 Local Government Councils and the 196 Councillorship candidates who were denied the opportunity to contest by CROSIEC to remain calm and unbowed. As a fact, I know that for so many of you, your aspiration to offer genuine and selfless service to our people has a long history. As a politician who has contested several elections, felt the burden of expectations and the promise of a new dawn, I share in your disappointment in the rigged process.
“Rather than capitulate and beat a hasty repeat, your present disappointment should strengthen your resolve and determination for the emergence of an inclusive process. What has happened to you is not so much a failure of leadership as much as what Obafemi Awolowo, the great sage described as ‘the travails of democracy and the rule of law’. In the very near feature, I hope to engage with you to define the way forward.
“Cross River State is increasingly demanding that the All Progressive Congress step forward to provide compassionate and transparent leadership which is so far absent in our State. The time has come for all of us to come together to answer the historic call. Posperity will not forgive us as individuals and as a party if we fail to seize this moment. We must make it happen. It has to happen.
“Thank you once again for your several goodwill messages and the generosity of your spirit.” He ended.
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