There was excitement in Calabar, the Cross River State capital as the All Progressives Congress Governorship Candidate, Senator Bassey Otu, commissioned the State Secretariat of the De Cruise Network, a vanguard support group which has vowed to massively mobilizing support for the APC in the State.
The event which took place at the group’s secretariat at Efanga Mkpa, State Housing Estate, Thursday, witnessed a massive turnout of supporters, high ranking government officials, business gurus, women and youths.
Speaking, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Events and the Board of Trustees Chairman of the Group, Honourable Kenn Aklah, extolled the ingenuity of the members of the group to drive activities of support group from the grassroots with enviable record.
“I am particularly excited to identify with group of young men and women who have distinguished themselves for service and have created a huge impact in our campaign process”.
Honourable Kenn noted that the event signals a new beginning for yet another generation of leaders to be identified.
Another novel guest and member of the Board of Trustees Hon Chris Njah Mbu Ogar, who is also the member representing Etung State Constituency in the Cross River State house of Assembly, expressed his total satisfaction in the carriage and disposition of the group.
“Our young men and women have come together to put their ingenuity and energy to produce something meaningful. These category of people are those to remember in time to come as a matter of fact.
“What they have done today has had a foundation and that foundation is that of sincere followership,” he stated, and noted that such display of character would need a watertight encouragement and grooming as the future of the state lies with them.
On his part, the Deputy Governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, affirmed that indeed he was excited about the activities of the group.
“I saw your work on the field and I asked who are those people. I came here to your secretariat for the first time and I must say that I am impressed.
“Our partnership with De Cruise Network will not end on the 29th of May. We will continue to keep that partnership and for all that you have done, we say thank you.
“I am on your platform and I see what you do from the little contributions you make from your pockets to put these together, for this, your efforts will not be in vain,” he added.
Marveled by the group’s presentation, Senator Otu said, “I had no doubt in mind that I will be impressed by these young leaders who have put up this befitting edifice as a secretariat and their activities across the state speaks volume.
“Let it be known that we will not be concentrating only on rewarding big names but small names who have shown great impact in the field and we will be make sure that everyone will be properly recognized at the fullness of time”.
He added that the dream of everyone for Cross River is the responsibility of a true progressive to build on the already established foundations of Governor Ben Ayade who had already begun the process.
“With over 200 support groups, we have noted that well over 90% of them are being established by the young people and that is what our government by the grace of God will be about”.
He further charged the group on holding steadfast to the mandate of their formation and to keep the flag flying to ensure victory at the polls
While dedicating the office to the governorship candidate for his use during the electioneering process, the Director General, Comrade Nji Nji reiterated the group’s unflinching commitment in ensuring that the message is passed on to every ward until victory is attained.
High point of the event was a facility tour by members of the BOT, led by its Chairman and the State Executive members of the group, as well as the the presentation of an official portrait with a symbolic representation of the expected victory, cutting of cake and registration of new members.
