By Jonathan Ugbal
The People’s Democratic Party, PDP in northern Cross River State commended her members and voters for their support which led to the party winning all three National Assembly seats during the February 25th general elections.
Party faithful as well as supporters of the Senator, Jarigbe Agom, and the two House of Representatives members-elect; Peter Akpanke of Obudu/Obanliku/ Bekwara Godwin Offiono of Ogoja/Yala gathered at the Ogoja mini stadium in what was to be a celebration of the trio collecting their certificates of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission earlier this week.
Addressing them, the State chapter Chairman of the party Venatius Ikem Esq. said the performance of the PDP in a zone that had the incumbent Governor and other bigwigs of the ruling party was beyond ordinary, hence the need to celebrate and thank those who work hard to ensure the victory. However, he cautioned against relaxing ahead of the rescheduled Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections.
“Our celebration is never going to be complete unless next Saturday we do more than what we did last Saturday,” he said, adding that Cross River North carved a special niche for itself in the scheme of things.
“When the history and making of the next Governor shall be written, the North will have a special pride of place. During the primaries, we made a difference. In the general elections that just passed, we made a difference, in the next one that is coming, we are going to stamp our foot on the ground and make a difference. It is not for nothing,” he said and stressed the need for support based on convictions rather than immediate monetary benefits.
Mr. Ikem said the need to clinch all six Assembly seats in northern Cross River, remains non-negotiable.
On his part, Mr. Offiono, who spoke on behalf of the other two elected legislators who were absent, explained why the party has to work harder for March 18th.
“We have moved a step further, but we will be more comfortable when on the 18th of this month, you vote for all our House of Assembly members and vote for Senator Sandy Onoh. If we leave it at this point, we may not be able to give you the best you desire, so what you did for us, replicate it on the 18th,” he said.
Offiono who displayed his certificate of return to all present, took time to thank his people and pledged to work hard and deliver on his mandate, even as he expressed optimism that his presence will indeed be a booster to the performance of Senator Agom.
Similarly, the Director General of Senator Agom’s campaign organization, Dr. Donclems Enamhe Esq who explained his absence urged those present to vote out the All Progressives Congress by replicating threefold, the votes cast for Senator Agom during the Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections next Saturday.
Furthermore, the six Assembly candidates of the party in Bekwara – Charles Omang Esq; Obanliku – Chief Pius Ashakia; Obudu – Mr. John Ukwu; Ogoja – Honorable Rita Ayim; Yala 1 – Paul Ebiala Esq and Yala 2 – Dr. Martins Achadu all sought voters to troop out, vote, monitor and ensure their votes are counted to prevent electoral malpractice next Saturday.
