By Efa Sunday
It was indeed beauty, joy and celebration galore yesterday, when the Honorable Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Rt. Hon. George O’ben Etchi defected with over five thousand supporters and loyalists, at his Ojuk council ward area, in Akampka Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Little wonder why His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade is making so much waves across the global landscape, he is surrounded by faithful stewards, such a one as the Honorable Commissioner.
Ojuk North and South, which had hitherto been divided across party lines and had over the years witnessed division and stiff elections, are now set on a ‘broom-like’ pedestal of unity, in support of Governor Ayade’s dream to move the State forward, as he takes the wheel in driving her to the centre.
Dancing, rejoicing, shouting and merriment characterised the joy felt by the people and indeed the founding members of the APC in the LGA, as they openly received the Commissioner and his supporters, while promising to work together as one towards the development of not just Akamkpa but indeed Cross River State in general.
Receiving them, the APC chieftain, Hon. Prince Celestine Awor said, “having you all come join us in APC is indeed very timely, most important and of utmost benefit to us.
“Before now, we have been divided, we fight, because we see things from different perspectives and so we have witnessed minute development around here. But I strongly believe that with all of us in same party, we will join our hands together and ensure that what is due Akamkpa and indeed the Ojuk nation come to us, rather than fighting ourselves.
“We want to assure you that APC is happy to receive you, and we want you all to know that we would always come together on a round table to discuss the way forward for the Akamkpa people.”
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the defectees, Hon. O’ben Etchi retorted, “we have now seen the light and we are ready to move with the light and our boss, Governor Ben Ayade as the leader, as we journey this road to the centre.
“We have decided to come home today and take this step, because Ojuk is where we came from, and as foot soldiers that we are, this is where we would cast our votes, during elections.
“This is our council ward, this is home, and it is paramount to return home and inform the people who sent us into the public office on the platform of the other party that we have moved to APC, and that is why we are here today.
“I want to assure you today that we would work as one for the benefit of the people. And we want His Excellency the digital Governor to know that Akamkpa people is one hundred percent APC. “
As a show of solidarity to His Excellency the Governor and to the movement, the entire Akamkpa Branch of the Bikers’ Association trooped in enmass to register with the APC.
The event was graced by the APC Vice Chairman, South, Hon. Effiom Olory, APC Chapter Chairman Akamkpa LG – Hon. Fred Ntui, Akamkpa LGA Chairman – Hon. Linus Bassey, Former Party Chairman PDP, Ntufam John Okon.
Others were, the delectable wife of the Commissioner, Mrs. Faith Nkoyo O’ben Etchi, Commissioner for Tourism, Hon. Eric Anderson, Hon. Edem, Hon Emmanuel Edwards, and a whole lot of others, too numerous to mention.
The highpoint of the event was the official handing over of the APC flag and broom to Hon. George, as well as the official registration of his name in the APC membership register.
