Cross River APC Chieftain, Akin Ricketts, eyes Central Senatorial Ticket

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Akin Ricketts has set his eyes clinching the central senatorial district ticket in Cross River State, south-south Nigeria.

Ricketts, a former Commissioner for Information, embarked on intensive consultations with APC stakeholders across the six local government areas of Abi, Boki, Etung, Ikom, Obubra and Yakurr that constitute the central senatorial district.

At each of the councils visited, Ricketts, who also holds a traditional title, interfaced with the chairmen of the six local government areas as well as the APC ward and chapter chairmen.

Promise keeper

From Abi to Yakurr and Obubra to Ikom, Boki as well as Etung, Ricketts made time to pay homage and seek the blessings of the traditional leaders, who are a significant part of his constituency.

At Yakurr, Abi and Obubra, Ricketts assured stakeholders of his capacity and determination to perform beyond their expectations.

“I have what it takes to represent the district at the national assembly. I assure you that I will perform and my performance will be surprising.

“I am not coming to you as an ordinary politician. I am from the private sector and understand what it means to make a promise and keep it. I have a record of delivering on my promise.

“I want to assure you that I will contribute to poverty reduction by creating jobs, which can be easily done in this senatorial district.

“Once again, I promise that when I emerge the senator, I will perform and perform well,” assured Ricketts.

Traditional endorsement

In a reaction, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and paramount ruler of Yakurr local government area, Obol Ofem Ubana described their son Akin Ricketts as the best man to represent the district.

Obol Ubana noted that no son of Ugep has ever been senator, stating “as they have been farming for others, it is time for others to farm for our son.”

The paramount ruler prayed and blessed the senatorial aspirant, urging the people of Yakurr to rally round and give their son the needed support to emerge at the party primaries and the general election.

In Boki and Ikom areas, Ricketts expressed readiness to tackle the challenges people of the district face when he becomes senator.

He said, “I am here to ask for your support and prayers to represent all of us in the Senate in Abuja. I understand the challenges of the traditional institution as well as the youths, who sometimes graduate and wait for over seven years without jobs.

“When you support me and make me get to the senate, you will not regret it. I will lobby to ensure that traditional rulers play important roles in governance as a way to address insecurity.”

Good product

The chairman of the Akin Ricketts Campaign Council, Bishop Chris Obase speaking at each of the locations said that the aspirant was the man delegates and electorates should cast their votes for.

Obase advised stakeholders to critically examine the character of the people they elect to represent them, asserting “we need someone like Akin Ricketts, who is easily accessible and keeps to his promise. If we do otherwise, we will be in trouble.”

When the team reached Etung, they were received by the council chairman, John Etuk, who pledge total support to the aspirant, saying “Akin Ricketts is a very good product for the senatorial race. I declare as a person and a leader of the APC in Etung that our support for your senatorial ambition is One hundred percent. I am the marketer and Ricketts is the product.”

The aspirant and his team rounded off the consultation at Etung council area after inspecting some projects.

 

E/Suzan O.