6 June 2018
It was a show of popularity and sagacity as Chief Orok Otu Duke, chairman, Cross River State Sport Commission, under the auspices of a group, Generation Foundation and Allied Friends in the Southern Senatorial District, on Tuesday, mobilized no fewer than half a million people in a solidarity visit to the governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator(Prof.) Ben Ayade.
The group whose membership cuts across the 7 LGAs in the senatorial zone, had dignitaries from all the LGAs partaking in the solidarity visit.
Speaking during the visit, the leader of the group, Chief Orok Duke, said having duly considered the transformational and impactful leadership provided by Senator(Prof.) Ben Ayade in the state, the group therefore sees it as imperative to mobilize support for the governor's re-election bid in 2019, to enable him continue the good work started so far.
''We from the southern senatorial district, we are your landlord- well done your excellency. We 'll be there to continue giving you support. Your excellency, you have nothing to pay. If you have something to pay, then we 'd have been out here criticizing. We are satisfy.'', he declared.
Also speaking, the director general of the group, Hon. Okon Ephraim, who is also the member representing Calabar South I in the state house of assembly, lauded the governor for his excellent performance in the all-round development of the state, noting that most of the governor's projects are concentrated in the southern senatorial district which is the more reason Cross River South will massively support his re-election in 2019.
He said: ''On behalf of the entire people of Calabar South, I want to use this opportunity to thank you so much, your excellencies, the governor and the deputy governor of this state. I want to tell you that within the shortest possible time that the governor has been in the saddle of leadership, he has been able to do so many things for the Southern senatorial district up to the point that our neighbours in the central and the northern districts are jealous of us. The rice city is here. The garmen factory is here. Calapharm is here. Banana plantation is here.
''On behalf of our group, I want to assure the governor that as far as he's planning for a second term, from Calabar South to Biase we are going to return him 100 per cent.'', Okon Ephraim assured.
Responding, the governor, Senator(Prof.) Ben Ayade, thanked the group for embarking on the solidarity visit, describing it as a recognition and endorsement of his effort in bringing sustainable development to the state. He however pledged not to relent on his effort in transforming the state into an industrial hub.
Speaking further, governor Ayade stated that his administration is passionate about creating employment for the youth. This he said, informed his decision to expand governance by extending appointments to more persons. He requested youths who are yet to get appointments from his government to reach him through government appointees from their local government areas so he can create avenue for them to be gainfully engaged.
The governor then made a cash donation of N5 million naira to the group as a way of expressing his gratitude for their support.
Kelvin Obambon
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