By: Beatrice Akpala.
SSA Communication & Advocacy.
Dr Stephen Adi Odey has been described as a loyal and detribalised leader who understands the needs of the rural populace.
Speaking while signing the senatorial nomination form, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo said that Dr Stephen Odey is the favoured candidate and he is well accepted by the people at the grassroot. He called on the people of Cross River North to mobilise all the support he needs for the forthcoming primaries.
He also noted that Dr Odey in his magnanimity and philanthropic disposition has touched the lives of many people positively with the life changing projects he has embacked on as Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board with alot of goodwill that will count for him in the days ahead.
Commissioner for local government affairs Hon. Stella Oreme Odey described Dr Stephen Odey as a very good and competent candidate for the position of senate in the Northern Senatorial District. She further said that Dr Odey is a grassroot mobiliser and by virtue of his experience he will be able to accrue the dividence of democracy to the rural dwellers. She further posited that his representation at the National Assembly will be a huge success and very beneficial for the good people of Cross River North.
Hon. Odey also called on the people of Northern Cross River State to collapse all structures to support the position of leadership because the People’s Democratic Party is one indivisible family and as such it is pertinent to support the decision of leadership without controversy.
Meanwhile Hon. John Ulafor, the Commissioner for Grant and Economic Development enjoined other candidates to collapse their support for Dr Stephen Odey and rather wait for their appointed time. He reiterated that the best thing that has happened to Cross River North interms of representation is the emergence of Dr Stephen Adi Odey. He described him as humility personified, hardworking and an astute gentleman with the heart of pure gold. He re-emphasized that he has put in everything into Dr Odey’s Candidacy because he sees light at the end of the tunnel.
Hon. Ulafor further noted that it is statutory for the party to zone positions and consensus is arrived at. He added emphatically that this time Dr Stephen Odey is going to the Senate to represent Cross River North by completing the tenure of Sen. Rose Okoji Oko and nothing can stop the agenda. He appealed to the other contenders to step down and support Dr. Stephen Odey because the signs are clear that he is the preferred candidate.
Speaking unbehalf of the northern chairmen of councils, Hon. Emmanuel Ishabor, Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Area said that since the return of democracy PDP has been running a unified system as a family. He urged all party stalwarts in Cross River North to stand firmly by the decision of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade the leader of the party in order to produce a senator of quality to give efficient leadership to the good people of Cross River North. He added also that the northern chairmen are out with one formidable voice to give total support to Dr Stephen Odey. Describing him as a man of capacity, with his resolute disposition to critical issues. He further noted that Dr Odey has always been on a rescue mission and as such he will certainly do well for the people.
Responding, Dr Stephen Odey thanked all stakeholders and party stalwarts for the incredible backings and overwhelming support there have showcased for his candidacy.
According to him, his absolute appreciation goes to Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade who has changed the narrative by placing vibrant young men and women in positions of responsibilities. He reiterated that his indelible loyalty and gratitude will forever remain with Governor Ben Ayade for choosing him from a minority area to reposition the dynamics of representation at the National Assembly. Stating that if not for Governor Ayade nobody would have considered someone from the minority area he comes from for a senatorial position.
He affirmed that posterity Will never forget Governor Ben Ayade for this noble gesture.
