BY:WONAH FIDELIS ODEY
The 2019 general elections are months away and every elected political office holder is either preparing
to seek re-election or handover to a successor. The political heat is already rising in every State of the federation and at the centre, with political realignments and performances being measured by the electorate. It is a normal phenomenon that every election throws up challenges that often create tension and confusion. But at the end,congratulations are exchanged and the political pressures would gradually calm down. The 2019 may not be different. In fact,the year is projected to witness another keenly contested poll.But our prayers are that the elections will come and go without the loss of the lives and properties of the citizenry.
Such elective positions in 2019 are basically the representatives for the three senatorial districts of every state of the federation, representatives of every constituency of state of the federation, differing from state to state at an uneven proportion, and the governors,for these states whose tenures are to expire on May 29.2019.In Cross River, these positions are open, though the vibrancy of the electioneering processes in the state often calls for caution.And Governor Ben Ayade has already indicated interest for a second tenure of four years.
Though like other past governor's of the state,there are a few things that distinguish him. Cross River State has been in the fold of the PDP since 1999.All the past executive governors enjoyed very cordial relationship with the federal government. It was normal because the centrial government was then controlled by the PDP. But that is not the case now.
In addition, the past two executive governors of the state emerged from the other two senatorial zones.The first Mr Donald Duke, was from the south; the second Sen.Liyel Imoke ,was from the central and Sen,PROF Ben Ayade is from the north. Each of the first two had two uninterrupted tenure, performances aside.
But Prof.Ayade, since inception, has kept the hopes of the Cross River people high. He's politically broadminded as,unlike some other governors of the PDP in southern Nigeria,he maintains a cordial relationship with the Federal Government.His loyalty to the President who is of the ruling APC is commendable. That cannot be unconnected to the visit of the President last year and this year,which was possible even as the minister of Niger Delta pastor Usani uguru is from the state. At many fora,though, in PDP,has declared support for President Buhari led federal government because he believes in integrity.
Ayade's political profile in Nigeria, his political will to deliver dividends of democracy and his doggedness in fulfilling his electioneering campaign promises have put him in the minds of majority of Cross RIVERIANS.There can be no doubt that he has the greatest opportunity to be re-elected for the second term. Why not? After all, past governor's from other senatorial zones had their second tenures without quarrel.The turn of Cross River north should, therefore, not be compromised.
In reality and in consonance with the voices within the state, Ayade is performing and the next four years are required to further strike harder in developing the state. The giant strides he has made since he took over are speaking for themselves. His administration has undertaken some gargantuan projects that will put the state ahead some of the states of the federation look at the different roads across the 18 LGA's,mfom-Okpoma-Okuku-Ogoja-Bekwara Obudu road,seaport, superhighway, garment factory,rice,cocoa factories etc.
During Buhari's visit to Cross River 2017-2018,President Buhari recognized the efforts of Ayade in transforming Cross River. He expressed gratitude to Cross Riverians and commended Governor Ben Ayade for his vision and commitment to the development of his state.
President Buhari was full of happiness to have the privilege of commissioning some projects in CRS.Ben Ayade has been a shining star.Recently,he was among President Buhari envoys to Togo.
For equity and fairness, Governor Ben Ayade should be given second term for he has work well in Agriculture, Health, Education and general infrastructure.
Ayade's achievements cannot be mentioned without acknowledging one of the best pillars of this administration,Dr.Stephen Adi Odey. A bridge builder
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| Wonah |
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