Efio-Ita Nyok|13 April 2018
A Security expert, Dodeye Arikpo has indicated interest to represent 'Cross River Central' at the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2019. The former State Security Service (SSS) officer made this known on Thursday while addressing immediate Ward Councillors from Central Senatorial District in Calabar.
The University of Jos graduate of Political Science said that his motivation for this political inclination is borne by his resolve to add his voice and be of service, the opportunities provided by 2019 and his appraisal of the available indices. Arikpo further stressed that he is profoundly serious about the race for the Senate, adding he is not standing in for anyone but himself. Bordering on experience as the requisite for public office, he observed that experience is all about age but opportunities.
Arikpo, who currently operates a security consulting firm in Abuja and has served as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to former governor Liyel Imoke for 12 years, from his period of Minister to governor of Cross River, gave assurance that his victory has been ordained by God.
According to him, 'With the opportunity that has come with 2019, and looking at all the indices and the kind of things that are going on and the resolve to also add a voice and be of service, I decided to throw in my hart to run for the office of Senate to represent Cross River Central”.
Continuing he said, 'I am going to answer a few questions before you ask me, are you sure you want to run for the Senate or there is somebody else you are running for? I am not John the Baptist. My name is not John the Baptist. I am not a forerunner for somebody. I am not standing in for anybody. I am the one running for the Senate and I am serious.
'For me, I think the status quo must change. And if we don't confront the status quo we will remain where we are. I am coming to challenge the status quo”, he said.
'I am running for senate, I am not boosting. My wealth lies in the people I have around me. I have assembled you here to help me grow this family.
'Our people are looking for opportunities to excel higher in life; I want to put myself forward as a servant that would draw those opportunities closer”, he said.
Responding, Hon. Vincent Dibang, the Chairman of Former Councillors Forum, said that he is throwing his support for Arikpo particularly because he's a youth. He assured the aspirant of the support of former honourable members because of his recognition of politicians with stakeholders in the grassroots.
He said. 'One of us is running. We will do what we need to do to ensure that one of us is represented at the national assembly.
A Barrister and former Honourable member in the previous LGA era, Hon. Philomena Epodo, pledged the support of women for Arikpo, stressing that his acknowledgement of former Councillors who are closer to the grassroots was a clear sign of victory.
While narrating the positive credentials of Arikpo, Hon. Josephine Eni of Adadama Ward informed that they are ready to work. Her words, 'Just mobilise us, and we will proceed to the field for you.
Mr Arikpo finally informed that his motivation for public office is to integrate communities in the Senatorial district and explore opportunities for prosperity.
According to him, “I cannot be Senator and allow communal crises to thrive in the Senatorial district. We have seen too many wars, too many crisis, we are losing many people; now we have Nko/Adadama crisis. It's a failure of leadership if people do not rise up to address these things.
'We share a common heritage, people who intermarry; who enjoy such relationships to wake up and start killing and burning down houses is not fair. One of the things I will do is to bring back prosperity to central senatorial district. What happens if we establish Ikom Chambers of Commerce, integrate business men in the region and expose them to more opportunities?
He charged those present to be worthy ambassadors of his brand and to work for him with a unified purpose of winning the senate seat in 2019.
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is the Blogger-in-Chief, Editor-in-Chief & Publisher of NegroidHaven
