By Able Winnard
CALABAR- Tinkoriko is a Calabar based socio-cultural and apolitical organisation recognised by the Federal Government of Nigeria, yesterday gathered prominent politicians in one of it’s major popular outings- the yearly new year day outings where youths from various backgrounds and colourations parade the streets of calabar in a Carnivalistic form singing and dancing to the popular agaba tunes.
For 2023, the sociocultural carnival took a different form as it’s organisers added a blend of politics to it theming it “Say No to Injustice, Back to South” in a bid to emphasise on the need of the gubernatorial seat to return to the Southern Senatorial District of the state.
This also signaled the large turnout as major political players especially those contesting for elective offices were on ground to join the parade with their supporters.
Prominent amongst the politicians were a Federal Lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo who represents Akamkpa/Biase Federal constituency at the green chambers of the National Assembly who is currently seeking an elevation to the red chambers to represent their entire southern senatorial district.
Another big face on ground to celebrate Tinkoriko is a three term deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey who is also battling for the green chambers seat to unseat Apostle Essien Ayi.
Also in the midst is a first timer whom many have attributed his presence to merely political due to his family background. Many believe, Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr., the immediate past commissioner for Finance who resigned to contest the senatorial seat to represent Cross River South in the red chambers isn’t not cut out for such street play as such his presence was mere political.
 |
| Crowd at the event |
Addressing Journalist, Ekpenyong had said he was happy being part of the carnival, stating that groups like Nkoriko, have a way of uniting young people and imbibing positive influence on them.
“The thing about group and clubs is that they tend to hold each other so dearly, the positive influence tend to bring about the positive aspect of other members which is why groups and numbers are important when it comes to the society.”
He further explained that Nkoriko movement has impacted such on young people and today, it is moulding youth from the negative aspect of life to thinking about growth and development and about being fishers as suppose to give fish.
For Daniel Asuquo, he said having been a regular supporter and sponsor of the Nkoriko movement, he feels at home been in the midst of the boys and young persons from the south. And he totally supports the back to south agenda of Nkoriko, that despite being in Labour Party, he is supporting the candidacy of Sen. Prince Otu to ensure the south gets it. He said 2023 elections isn’t about party but the credibility of the persons involved. He used the opportunity to call on youths from Cross River South to support and give him their votes as he will be a loud voice for them in the red chambers just as he was for Akamkpa/Biase while in the green Chambers.
Joseph Bassey, known as Papa, said Nkoriko is one of the major unifying forces amongst young people in Calabar South as it creates a platform for friendship and togetherness. That this year’s celebration is unique as the entire calabar south youths are united with one voice to return governorship back to the south.
The federal legislative hopeful who seeks to represent Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South in the Green Chambers called on youths to give him their mandate as he is ready to bring development to the area through legislative activities.
Addressing, journalist Orok Duke, one of the Organisers and major sponsor of the Nkoriko movement has said although the group is nonpartisan and apolitical, but as a sociocultural group whose mandate is to bring development to the land, they will vehemently support the restoration of power back to the South.
He said the group is none partisan thus the support and welcome giving to Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo who is of the labour party. He also informed that Asuqou has been a major so sponsor of the group’s activities.
“You can see most of the major aspirants for Senate, House of Reps have identified with the drive to make a southerner the next governor of Cross River State. When the campaigns begin we’ll go to every nook and cranny of the south specifically to weep up that sentiment. Within the law we’ll do everything possible and probable.
“We have 8-8-8 as formula. 8 for the south, 8 for the central and 8 for the north. We are suppose to start again. I don’t know what our ancestors will be saying if we let this opportunity slip pass us. Fortunately, it’s only one major party that has a candidate from the south, that’s APC. So we are totally supporting Prince Senator Bassey Edet Otu to be the next governor of Cross River State from the south,” he said.
Similarly, President of the group, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, asserted that Tinkoriko is re-echoing the sentiment that is predominant in Cross River, especially in the southern part of the state, where the people sincerely desire Prince Bassey Otu as the next governor.
“The central and the northern senatorial districts of Cross River State are aligning with the south to ensure that Prince Otu becomes the governor. We are talking about the ethical, ideological and political issues that have arisen. Common sense, ethnics, values, camaraderie, friendship should tell you let it go back to south. This is a simple thing. Supporting Prince Otu is the right thing to do,” he said.