By Magnus Effiong
The Managing Director of the Cross River state Water Board, Chief Victor Effiom Ekpo, has declared intention to vie for the southern senatorial district seat in Abuja’s Red Chamber under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2023 elections.
The declaration, which took place at the playground of the Akamkpa Ward, Akpap-Okoyong of Odukpani local government area, weekend, brought together men, women, youths and indeed hundreds of indigenes, friends and well wishers, who together pledged to work for the emergence of Chief Ekpo as APC candidate as well as his victory at the polls.
Speaking, Chief Ekpo, who called for unfettered support from his constituents, restated his determination to deliver dividends of democracy to the seven local government areas that constitute the Southern Senatorial district of the state.
While thanking Governor Ben Ayade for the privilege to serve in various leadership positions, first as a Special Adviser to the Governor on Niger Delta Affairs, then Managing Director Cross River State Waterboard Limited, he called on the people to support his elevation to a national platform.
He also urged them to register and collect their permanent voter’s card as well as renew their party membership in preparation for the forthcoming election.
“I hereby declare to run as Senator representing the Southern Senatorial district of Cross River State.I will present strong bills on the floor of the Senate, bills that will help the people of the Southern Senatorial district and Cross River State.
“I will focus on education and agriculture; those are my two point agenda. I’m calling on the people of Akampka Okoyong to register and collect for their permanent voter’s card and those that have not yet registered with the party should come out for the ongoing APC membership registration,” he advised.
In her remarks, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chief Ekpo’s wife, Hon. Stella Odey-Ekpo, said her husband remained a good material capable of winning election for thevoarty.
She urged Akamkpa ward and the entire Odukpani local government area to galvanize support for Hon Victor Ekpo, saying voting him would bring good things to the people.
“When the people of the Southern Senatorial district vote for ‘Senator in waiting’ Victor Effiom Ekpo, they will definitely be having the dividends of their votes because they will be voting a man that believes in human development, that will indeed expand the livelihood of everyone.
“He believes in empowering the down trodden and I know that he will perform excellently if voted into power as the Senator representing the Southern Senatorial district of the state,” she stated.
Some dignataries who graced the declaration occasion were Commissioner for Sustainable development, Hon. Oliver Orok, Commissioner for Establishment Hon Alice Ekwu and the Special Adviser to the State governor on Water resources Hon. Agnes Atsu.
Others were the Leader Odukpani Council, Hon Godswill Iya, Secretary Odukpani Council, Pastor Terrence Orok, Commissioner II Local Government Commission, Hon Darlington Eyo, Chairman Akampka Elders Forum Dr Otu Eyo, Chairman Akampka ward Victor Emmanuel, Councillor Akampka ward Hon. Nkoyo Obo amongst others.
