As political parties prepare for the general elections in 2023, aspiring politicians have also started taking centre stage in the hustle for leadership positions.
The latest is Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, the son of the late Military Administrator of Cross River State in south-south Nigeria, Brigadier Dan Archibong, and Chancellor of the pioneer private tertiary university, Arthur Jarvis University, who Sunday evening declared to run for governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Archibong made the declaration at his Effanga Offiong ward Secretariat ,Mbanyok Ikot Effanga, Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River state.
He said his desire to run for governor is to reposition the state for the benefit of citizens, noting that it was time for a suitable person like him from the southern district, who has contributed to educational development, to take over the reins of leadership.
Archibong, who urged his people to support his bid, advised them to take advantage of the next phase of the voter’s registration exercise commencing next month.
“Some people have already concluded that the south is not fit or capable of leading the state. But, I want to assure them that the big hammer they think they wield will not find its target. They are in for a big surprise.
“The gentlemanly agreement by our founding fathers is been trampled upon by some individuals, who because of small loaves of bread, try to scuttle the zoning formula; but for the peace and equity of the state, the southern senatorial district should be given its due.
“I am also consoled by the fact that there is a principled, disciplined, experienced and steadfast state party (PDP) executive that will ensure equity and justice especially with the leadership of Venatius Ikem as Chairman.
“Our founding fathers are highly principled individuals, and we know that justice will prevail because they will ensure that leadership as agreed, comes back to the south come 2023.
“I have come to surrender myself to my people, to my fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters. All I need are your prayers and support. We know that going ahead will not be easy, but the race is not for the swift nor for those with money bags or mercenaries. God will show Himself when the time comes.
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“The development of Cross River state is paramount; the state is more important and bigger than any individual or group and with the people on our side, we shall ensure that there is a breath of ‘Fresh Air’ in our state come 2023,” Archibong said.
Meanwhile, on the Cross River State political scene, the embattled Stephen Odey, who lost the northern senatorial district seat to Senator Jarigbe Jarigbe on Saturday at his ward in Yala local government area held a rally to mark his defection from the PDP to the All-Progressives Congress, APC alongside his supporters.
Zainab Sa’id
