Millions of party faithful, support groups, youths, traders as well as various social groups, Tuesday, thronged Ukelle and Okpoma in Yala Local Government Area as well as the Ogoja Township Stadium as Governor Ben Ayade flagged of his re-election campaign in Northern Cross River.
Decked in their different regalia and armed with posters and banners, they proclaimed the governor as the best thing to happen to the state.
In Wanikande in Okpoma, a prominent member of the All Progressives Party, APC, and a former governorship aspirant, Dr. Julius Okpotu, also decamped to the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
Okpotu, who was received by Governor Ayade and members of the PDP campaign council at the venue of the campaign rally, said governor Ayade would be reelected on account of his sterling performance in office.
He said Ayade’s support base cuts across party lines, adding, “even members of the APC will work to get him re-elected.”
“I am here because of the good works of Governor Ayade. He has worked tirelessly to change the story of Cross River. His re-election, therefore, will be a smooth sail.”
Chanting solidarity songs, the enthusiastic crowd, in appreciation of Governor Ben Ayade’s developmental strides, vowed to protect their votes for the governor’s return.
This was even as the paramount ruler of Yala Local Government Area, Buturo Godwin Denis Odu, said the people of Ogoja have decided that Ayade must go back to government house to complete his wonderful performance.
He said, “We are oracles and we have spoken that our son must return.”
Earlier, the council of chiefs of Ukelle received the governor and his team and prayed and blessed him for smooth re-election.
The clan head, Anthony Eji, stated: “you are our son and our people are fully with you as you have represented us well and we would not disappoint and abandon you now.”
Responding, Gov. Ayade said, “I know I have done a lot by appointing 6000 appointees, engaged 2500 teachers and 1000 nurses among others, but surely I will know no sleep until every one of you here gets a job.”
The governor who apologized for the inconveniences created by dust at the ongoing 148km northern dual carriageway, enjoined the people to bear with him as such a gigantic project could not have been completed within two years.
He disclosed that the Okpoma water project has been completed among other projects aimed at alleviating the pains of the people.
“This is the turn of the north as both south and central have had their different eight years as governors, so do not allow anybody to come and stop this road we are constructing.”
At the Ogoja township stadium, an overwhelming crowd of supporters who waited into the night to welcome the Governor burst into ecstasy upon his arrival.
An obviously elated Ayade who spoke after some dance steps said: “I thank you for your patience as only the Ogoja people can come together in dark.
”Today, I am proud that I am an Ogoja son as nowhere in this country will you have a rally in this darkness and witness such peace and tranquility as I have seen here now.”
At a meeting with the traditional rulers held at Ogoja council hall, the governor disclosed that he intends to organise a leadership and security training for the traditional institution, adding that, he will also ensure that chiefs yet to receive certificate of recognition are duly recognized.
PDP bigwigs who were at the rally, including Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong, Senator Rose Oko and the coordinator of Cross River presidential elections, Barr Chris Agara enjoined the governor to return home and sleep as there was no need to campaign, having since embarked on giant strides aimed at impacting favourably on the citizenry.
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