By CrossRiverWatch Admin
A sociopolitical group with the name, Ogoja/yala Amalgated Political Forum (OYAPF) has called on Chief Henry Igelle Onwe, to contest the Yala/Ogoja House of Representatives seat recently made vacant with the Appeal Court ruling in favour of its occupant, Hon. Jarigbe Agom to assume Cross River North Senate seat.
A statement made available to newsmen in Calabar over the weekend and signed by its Chairman and Secretary respectively, Mr. Attary Moses and Hon. Sunday Uko, the group said it has put in place a machinery to mobilize support for the success of Chief Onwe at the poll when INEC conducts the election.
“We know INEC will soon announce a time table for the election into the Yala/Ogoja Federal constituency position recently made vacant by the Appeal Court’s ruling of August 14 in favour of Hon. Jarigbe Agom who occupies the seat to move to the Senate. That is the reason we are clamouring for Chief Onwe to succeed him because he has what it takes.
“Our extensive background checks in both Ogoja and Yala Local Government Areas indicate unambiguously that Chief Onwe is the most acceptable person to occupy the position occasioned by his selfless disposition, accessibility, philanthropy, integrity and commitment to the common good.” The statement reads in part.
According to the group, its membership cuts across all the political wards in the Federal constituency. It called on His Excellency, the Governor of the State, Sen. Ben Ayade to heed to the plea of the people in order to make way for seamless victory in favour of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the election.
“Chief Onwe has always been a committed party man and has occupied sensitive positions and worked assiduously for success at the polls while in the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in various elections and now that he has moved with His Excellency to the APC, he remains a factor and strong force to determine outcome of any election so the cap fits him for the Reps post.”
The group made mainly of young men and women added that, Ukelle, the political zone where Onwe comes from has not had the opportunity to occupy any National Assembly position in the past and this is a veritable time to ensure equity by allowing someone with the appropriate contacts and capability to occupy the slot.
“Our appeal is passionate to our dear Governor and all political leaders in the State to accede to this clarion call and make history with a popular person who is Chief Henry Igelle Onwe, and ensure victory in the election.
The group said though Chief Onwe is yet to make his position known, it is imperative for him to answer the call of the people and “we will do everything including buying him the necessary forms to contest the election because it is for the good of the people.” The group concluded.