Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Community yesterday endorsed Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State for the March 2, 2019 governorship election in the state. CAN predicated its decision on the governor’s giant strides in the areas of industrialization, infrastructural development and human capacity development.
The associations also made a cash donation of N1.2 million to the governor to assist his campaign. The endorsement came during an interface between the governor and the Christian body held at the main bowl of the Cultural Centre, Calabar. A voice vote put to CAN members at the event venue by the immediate past state chairman of CAN, Archbishop Archibong Archibong for the endorsement of the governor was returned with an overwhelming yes. At the same event, the Muslim community led by the Chief Imam of the Calabar Central Mosque, Imam Abdul Kabir Olowolayemo, also endorsed the governor for the forth coming gubernatorial election.
Earlier in his address, the State Chairman of CAN and Archbishop emeritus of Calabar Archdiocese, Most Rev. Joseph Ukpo, commended the governor for the achievements recorded by his administration. He described the governor’s achievements as monumental, adding, “You have made landmark progress especially in the industrializing the state; construction of the garment factory, the first rice seeds and seedlings in Africa, construction of Calapharm for our pharmaceutical needs, the ongoing construction of chicken processing factory, the rice mill in Ogoja and the cocoa processing plant in Ikom.”
In his response, Governor Ben Ayade expressed his gratitude to the Christian body for finding him worthy of their endorsement. “If there is any endorsement that is important to me, it is the CAN endorsement. I am moved by this endorsement and appreciate all the prayers and insistence that I should continue and complete all the industrialization agenda of the state.” he said. Continuing Ayade said, “I cannot thank you enough. I am indeed grateful. This endorsement I must say is the greatest certification of my government and I promise I will not fail you because the church has made a huge statement and I will continue to offer good governance for our people.”
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