By Kelvin Obambon
Cross River Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Oden Ewa, has been lauded for his exemplary leadership in the Central Senatorial District of the state. The commendation was made by Comrade Dan Obo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and National Vice President, South-South Zone, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
Obo’s remarks, made in Calabar on Tuesday during an interactive session with some journalists, highlighted a perceived lack of effective representation by the current Senator, Eteng Williams, and positioned Ewa as a strong alternative for the 2027 senatorial race.
The governor’s aide did not mince words in his critique of Senator Williams’ tenure, particularly in his engagement with the youth. He expressed dismay that a media aide, who had served Williams diligently, had to seek employment from another senator within the same chamber.
“I am envying the South because the Senator from the South gave our own Senator’s Media Aide a job,” Obo stated, implying a significant disconnect and lack of support from Senator Williams towards his own constituents and staff.
Furthermore, Obo recounted a youth meeting, convened under his watch, where a collective decision was made not to re-elect Senator Williams. He emphasized that despite their initial support, the youth leaders who worked for Williams had nothing to show for their efforts, and six key leaders boycotted a recent meeting called by the Senator, indicating a clear disaffection. “For the past two years, he has not gotten a proper engagement with young people. The same young people that gave him the vote,” Obo asserted, underscoring the deep-seated grievances among the youth.
In stark contrast, Obo praised Hon. Oden Ewa, asserting that “the Commissioner for Special Duties is providing leadership in the senatorial district.” He suggested that Ewa’s demonstrated leadership qualities make him a formidable candidate for the senatorial seat, emphasizing that true representation hinges on effective leadership. Obo also firmly rejected the notion of an “automatic ticket” for any incumbent, advocating for a merit-based contest in 2027.
He stressed that the senatorial seat should be earned through demonstrable leadership and service, not entitlement. His remark is indicative of a growing sentiment within the Central Senatorial District for a change in leadership, with Hon. Oden Ewa emerging as a frontrunner in the public discourse.