By Our Reporter
As the governorship race in Cross River State intensifies, former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, Prof Anthony Owan Enoh and other prominent leaders in the central senatorial district of the State have vowed to work toward the emergence of Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu as governor, saying it would be unfair and against natural justice if the southern senatorial district does not produce a governor in 2023.
The leaders, who spoke glowingly of the APC governorship flag bearer, urged any member of the central senatorial zone who may have indicated interest in the plum job, to withdraw for the sake of equity and fair play.
They restated their stance on the matter during the candidate’s ‘Thank You Tour’ of the central senatorial district, which saw Senator Otu visiting the six local government area of the zone to appreciate the people for their support.
Speaking on behalf of the Ikom people, Senator Ndoma Egba, said “we in the central senatorial district believe it is the turn of the south. I served the central senatorial district for 12 years as a senator and I was focused, but some people have not even finished their first term in the Senate where we sent them, they want to be governor.”
The former Senate leader, who emphasized on the character of Sen. Otu said, “Otu does not only have character, he is also an embodiment of intelligence, experience and capacity. I can testify to this because I served with him at the National Assembly.
“We in the central senatorial district believe in justice and fairness, we are not greedy. That is why I can say that at exactly 10:05am on May 29, 2023, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu will be sworn in as the Governor of Cross River state.”
At Etung, a prominent son of the Council area, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, said “I’ve never seen a man as good as Sen Otu. He is completely detribalized, he loves people and is experienced with quality leadership skills. With Prince Otu, development has come to Etung.”
The Professor, who is also the elder brother to Senator John Owan Enoh, said Senator Otu’s qualities in leadership and human capital development was unparallel and therefore charged his people to ensure the right thing is done without sentiment.
To confirm their unalloyed support of the Etung people, the APC candidate was conferred with a chieftaincy title of ‘Nnyene Nmon Akonfam’ (a good child is loved by the community) by the traditional rulers council of Etung LGA, headed by the acting Paramount Ruler of Etung, Ntufam Raphael Agbor.
Speaking also, the Chairman of Etung LGA, Hon. John Etuk expressed delight at the visit of Sen. Otu and his team, and lauded Gov. Ben Ayade for keeping to his promise of taking power back to the Southern zone on the basis of equity and fairness.
He noted that Etung had asked its own son, who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to wait for the turn of the central senatorial district, adding “for us in Etung, you are already the Governor; your visit to Etung is your swearing in.”
Lending his voice, the Paramount Ruler of Obubra, HRM Louis Enyam, assured Senator Otu of the support and prayers of Obubra people, and added that the candidates merits the support due to his goodwill which he said is known to all Cross Riverians.
At Boki, a prominent son of the council area, Amb Soni Abang, who is also the Director General of Otu’s Campaign Council, said “the good people of Boki will stand by equity, justice and fairness and our election results will reflect and uphold the tradition of zoning in our State,” while another political leader, Hon. Abubakar Ewa said “Boki is known for harvesting of votes. And the Boki votes will be delivered intact for Prince Otu and the APC.”
In his remarks in all the places he visited, Prinve Otu had told the people that he was visiting “to thank the delegates who came to elect me candidate and to commend you for standing by rotational politics which is the bedrock for peace and development.”
He said all the concerns in his interactions with leaders would be addressed with priority, and added “It is not yet time for campaigns, we just came to say thank you for the support you gave to us to emerge victorious at the primaries. When it is time for campaigns, we will return in a big way and address all the issues you highlighted. But for now, we are saying, thank you.”
