By Abasi Ita, Calabar
The bleak future rattling the All Progressives Congress APC in Cross River State has continued to escalate without respite following the endemic defections of renowned political big wigs of the party across the state to the opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP..
The latest in the series of mass exodus enveloping the APC thereby raising serious concerns over the state of affairs of the APC in Cross River ahead 2023 is the defection a formidable stalwart and chairman of the party’s reconciliation committee, Dr Pius Tawo to the PDP this week in Boki.
Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting organised by political leaders of Cross River Central Senatorial District to formally adopt Senator Sandy Onor as their preferred governorship candidate, Dr Tawo who led hundred of others to the opposition party said he opted to joined the PDP for “parading the best candidate with capacity, acumen, sound intellectual background, tenacity , experience , and sincerity of purpose needed to salvage the state from present woes unleashed by the prevailing political scenarios in the state”
According to him ” though I reserved tremendous respect for Senator Ben Ayade as my state governor and a friend, the interest of Cross River is paramount while the moral burden over my personal take at this critical time given the deplorable situation in my state supersedes any selfish affinity. I am here to galvanize the needed support to guarantee the victory of the Senator Sandy Onor of the PDP in the forthcoming election because he’s just the best in all index of analysis “
” It’s pathetic that the political offices bestowed upon some politicians by God is being use in promoting pains, agonies, hardships , hunger and deprivations in our state and beyond rather than discharging the basic obligations in governance while facilitating socio economic development and prosperity. I can not longer bear the agonizing tales revaging my state in all sectors”
“My conscience can not longer allow me to be part of such an inglorious legacy for the sake of posterity. I had to leave for the PDP because this is the party with the capacity and antecedents to reclaim and restore our lost glory in my state and country”
He cautioned political office holders to use the privilege given to them to serve humanity judiciously bearing in mind that they will render account of their stewardship to the Almighty God on the judgment day
Receiving the defectors, state chairman of the Senate PDP Barrister Vena Ikem lauded the bold step taken by Dr Tawo to team up with the PDP in the quest to reclaim the state from the present predicament and enjoined stakeholders of the central senatorial district to ensure effective mobilization for a resounding victory of the party in the polls.
“In his words, providence has bestowed the Central with the daunting task of restoring our lost paradise from those whose major schedule in power is pilfering our common patrimony for their selfish interest while our people continue to wallow in pains and agonies. The onus is now on the people of this district to take the lead in our march to reclaim Cross River . It is the time for every one of us irrespective of political affiliation to raise up and take back our state from the woods”
“While I remain an ardent believer of zoning, secluding anyone on the basis of geography is alien to modern democratic practice.
Ours was to provide a level playing field while delegates voted for their preferred option”
In his remarks the PDP flag bearer and Senator for Cross River Central Senator Sandy Onor promised to bring his wealth of experience to bear in running the state when voted into power.
Senator Onor posited ” I am highly honoured by this adoption, I will be a good and worthy ambassador as I have always been. We will work assiduously to restore lost glory”
The event featured good will messages from prominent opinion leaders from the area across party boundaries .
