Posted By Adoga Michael Oyi
In politics today, competence overrides sentiments while facts shun pretence. Quality must be appreciated so that the people can benefit. Armed with this philosophy, the good people of Abi and Yakurr local government areas turned out enmasse in Ugep and Itigidi, their respective headquarters to welcome ,interact and adopt the Original Caterpillar of capacity, the thunderbolt of Central Senatorial District, the nightmare of fellow contestants, the Irunuandu of Africa, the man with a decent but elephantine pedigree, an astute leader extra-ordinairé, and a politician per excellence, Dr. Sandy Ojang Onor yesterday 12th May 2018 to represent them as senator in the National Assembly.
Arriving Yakurr in a fourty - car convoy of followers, campaign staff and volunteers, Dr Sandy Onor paid a courtesy visit to Obol Nelson Ofem, an SSA to the Governor and founder of PDP Rebirth Group CRS. He warmly welcomed Dr. Sandy and his entourage of excited supporters, pouring encomiums on Dr. Sandy Onor, declaring that "without fear or favour, he is the Senator for Central Senatorial District come 2019". As a way of further proving his support, Obol Nelson, who is also leader of PDP in Ijiman ward gifted Dr. Sandy with billboards, stickers and crested T-shirts as his contribution to his campaign.
At the Palace of the Obol Opon of Ugep the 12 Clanheads of Ugep Urban were already seated. Although the Obol Upon was away to Calabar for the convocation of University of Calabar, he had appointed the Ukpebre or traditional Prime Minister to lead the reception party.
Whereupon a very detailed customary reception complete with libations and incantations were enacted, calling on the gods of the people to come down and aid their son in his bid. The Prime Minister was to declare later after Dr Sandy had spoken that they were impressed by the aspirant's eloquence and wide knowledge and therefore were convinced that he was the best man for the job.
"The argument of Old Obubra is fraulent, they are afraid because they don't like their records to be surpassed. However, Politics is a good game. Everyone has the right to aspire but only men of capacity, vivacity and verve are fit to represent you. when we get your mandate, we will come back here and greet you, our fathers" Dr Sandy told his hosts.
The elders nodded intermittently while enjoying the thrills of Sandy's powerful speech, touching on the historical antecedents in the relationship between Etung and Yakurr, a speech that was greeted with thunderous applause.
In Ekori, the Obol Upon also conducted a very rich cultural libation rites of blessing to one who has been accepted by the gods and the people. "Politics is an open game. As soon as I saw you coming in with Comrade Ekpo, I knew you have succeeded", an affirmation of the people's acceptance of the candidature of Sandy for Senate 2019. Again, as an ardent follower of PDP and an a believer in friendship , Dr Sandy stopped at the home of Hon. Obeten Okorn, two time member of House of Representatives . They travelled down memory lane recalling their collaboration in the past throughout their political history.
In response, Hon. Obeten said "I am a convinced Yakurr man, but Sandy is my friend and Godfather to my first son. I believe in PDP. The day I leave PDP, I leave politics. I moved the motion for Cross River State to go to PDP in 1999 at Marian Hotel. I and John Okpa had to run elections because APP was very strong. Although Yakurr is very aggrieved and I believe Liyel is responsible for that " He decried the sorry state that politics has descended into "The beauty of politics is gone because of the way it is being played now; lies, character assassination and blackmail. Well, only the best is good for Central. The Senate is not for charlatans. You must be intelligent to be relevant there else, you won't yield results if you are not well grounded even if you spend 50 years in the National Assembly. I believe in Ayade and his vision. I have one vote, Sandy is my friend and I believe in befriending my friends."
Next stop was a courtesy call on the Paramount Ruler of Abi, Oval Solomon Edward. The Paramount Ruler, with his Clanheads said words of encouragement and support for the aspirant. Oval Solomon said " we are impressed with you. You speak as a man of truth and humility. I will stand with you. And where I stand, all my chiefs will stand."
All the Chapter executive members and Ward executive committees throughout Abi were then addressed at the reception hall of the School of Nursing, Itigidi where various groups were dressed in the Caterpillar Campaign regalia. Dr Sandy told the crowd, "Itigidi is a political Mecca of sorts. We come here for blessings. And when you bless us here, the sky is the limit ". Various sums of money were given to the various groups for refreshments and transportation.
The last stop was the Local Government Guest House in Ugep where the who is who in Yakurr gathered to receive the Caterpillar Movement. It was a proper jamboree women groups, young ladies, men and youths all dressed in colourful attires and uniforms. Government appointees, retired permanent secretaries etc were all seated. Dr Sandy in his address admonished them to vote without sentiments and emotions. And to resist the old trend of "they said we should vote so and so. "adding that "our mumu don do " to the loud cheers and adulation of the people. Two million naira was released to the people for transportation and lunch. As dusk descended upon the ancient town reputed to be the largest traditional village in West Africa, the Carterpillar Movement, bade goodbye to the excited crowd as it hit the road to return to Calabar. The experience was not one you could forget in a hurry.
From the Media Team of Carterpillar Movement.
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