CRNorth Bye-Election: ‘I’ve The Brightest Chance’ – Stephen Odey, Says CrossRiverWatch ‘Spoiling’ His Name

By Jonathan Ugbal and Patrick Obia

Dr. Stephen Odey, the Chairman of the Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (CRSUBEB) says has declared that he has the “brightest chance” to win the October 31, 2020 senatorial bye-elections in northern Cross River.

Mr. Odey stated this Tuesday in an interview with CrossRiverWatch at the sidelines of the screening exercise for the primary elections of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) where he also accused this Newspaper of “spoiling” his name.

“I am a grass rooter, if you know my antecedent, you know that I have the brightest chance to get there. Do you recall that I have done so much in Cross River State and Cross River north,” Odey said when asked about his chances.

The CRSUBEB boss who is reported to have the backing of Governor Benedict Ayade said he intends to use his “records” at the educational board among others to campaign.

“My records are there, those are the things I will use to campaign. I am not going to campaign with empty hand; with facts and evidence and the people know that I have done so much. I have built Schools, I have brought in infrastructural development, I have given employment, what else do you need in government? Those are the things I am going to use,” he said.

Also, he said having served Governor Ayade as an aide while he was in the seventh Assembly, he will hit the ground running as it is a terrain he is familiar with.

“I think as a Senator if elected I know what I will do. It is a popular terrain. Do not forget, I have served his excellency as a special assistant and personal assistant at the National Assembly for four years; I know the intrigues, I know the work, I know the in and out of the national assembly; it is not a new terrain to me. I wouldn’t talk much until I get there then you will see,” he said.

Earlier, when approached for the interview, he chided CrossRiverWatch for what he perceived to be unfavorable reportage.

“What do you want me to say?” Odey asked, adding that: “CrossRiverWatch that has been spoiling my name.”

As at press time, it remained unclear what Mr. Odey meant.

However, CrossRiverWatch had published an exclusive detailing how he was sacked due to allegations of fraud and forgery while working with the now defunct Joint Maritime Labour Industrial Council.

He however, denied the report claiming that he was paid compensation and cleared of the fraud allegations.