There was a mixed reception at the just concluded electoral campaigns of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River state, South-south Nigeria.
While the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign train witnessed a tumultuous reception by the people in Obudu local government area of the state, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was reported to have had a not-so-good experience within the same locality.
Leading the APC governorship candidate, Senator Bassey Otu, and others to the rally ground, Governor Ayade, who is also aspiring to the Nigerian Senate as the state’s northern senatorial district candidate of the APC, was given a resounding welcome by a cheering crowd.
The excited crowd, adorned in the APC paraphernalia, described Governor Ayade as a worthy son of Obudu, given his remarkable achievements in the area.
Also endorsed by the crowd was the gubernatorial candidate, Senator Bassey Otu alongside his running mate, Mr. Peter Odey as well as other contestants for the two House of Representatives seats for the district.
“Our presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, promised me that he will build the Bakassi deep seaport if he wins the election.
“He promised to make Cross River a priority of his government, if elected.
“So, I urge you all to vote for him. Tinubu has the capacity and the competence; he will fix Nigeria the way he fixed Lagos state,” said Governor Ayade.
The PDP Campaign
Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) campaign team was denied access to the chambers of the council of chiefs in Calabar Municipality; and the traditional leaders, who turned up for the consultation were made to sit outside their offices on stone-paved half walls.
The chiefs led by the Ndidem of the Qua nation and Patriarch of the Ejagham people, Eta Eteta, were locked out of their chambers by the council chairman, Mr. Efeffiong Nta, on the strength of security operatives.
Reacting, the paramount ruler, Eta Eteta described the embarrasing situation as an affront:
“This is an affront and unmitigated embarrassment. This chamber is the official venue for all our routine engagements.
“We came here today following the request of the PDP for a meeting with members of the traditional institution in Calabar Municipality only to discover that our chamber has been locked.
“I have never been subjected to this sort of embarrassment.”
However, the venue of the consultative meeting was moved to his palace, where he blessed the candidates and urged those who locked the elders out to desist from further embarrassing the traditional institution.
A Rousing Reception In Akpabuyo/ Bakassi
In Akpabuyo and Bakassi local government areas, contrary to reports that the PDP campaign team was chased out, investigations indicated that the party’s candidates received a resounding welcome at the rally.
“People should not be deceived. We were held to a rousing welcome in Akpabuyo and Bakassi. The pictures and videos are evidence.
“I do not understand why the opposition would spew such lies and feel comfortable misleading the people. Akpabuyo loves and welcomed us fully.
“I am telling you that we held a very peaceful rally in the southern senatorial district and indeed across the state.
“We know we have the most credible, the most tested and the best candidates with the capacity to deliver good governance to the people.
“The team of Sandy Onor and Lady Emana Amawhe will deliver good governance and turn around the fortunes of our people.
“The message is loud and clear: we remain focused on reclaiming Cross River state. Reclaiming Cross River state is a must, and we are not joking.
“Even at the Calabar Municipality, where the council chairman locked out the chiefs, we held a very successful rally and met the chief at his palace.
“Yet they (APC) would go back to consult with the same chiefs to support and vote for them. It is shameful indeed,” a PDP stakeholder, Mr. John Etim-Bassey said.
Edited by Amaka E. Nliam
