…as Yala PDP elders back re-election bid
As political activities gather momentum across the country, Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Dr Rose Oko, has called on support groups in the district to unite for her re-election victory.
Oko made the call when she played host to various support groups including Yala LGA PDP Elders, who visited her at her Okuku residence during the Yala New Yam Festival in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The groups are Voice of Okpoma, Okpoma Super 11, Elite Group, Democratic Group of Okpoma, Okuku Struggle Continue, Yala Youth Vanguard for Good Governance. Others include Various Polling Unit Leaders of Okpoma/O’oh Wards, Egugu, Isakaba, Justice Fighters and PDP Wards Women Leaders.
While addressing the group, Senator Oko said nothing and nobody can create any rift between her and other political leaders in the Senatorial District, and urged that they should unite and defeat all political enemies going about to so seeds of discord, division and disaffection.
She appreciated the honour done her and support the forum has been given her over nine years, where she explained that the visit by the group was stakeholders’ meeting where they can brainstorm on critical issues and political developments affecting the Senatorial District including the state and Nigeria.
She said: “I felt I should come and spend some time with you. This group has existed since. It is very strategic to the politics of Yala and it is such a group that plays a major role in the development Yala politics.
“Let me say and appreciate in a special way that from the time I came to run election in PDP in 2010. That from the first day that I came to the group that I want to run election in 2011 into the House of Reps, 99% per cent of your membership was collapsed into my support base till this day. I cannot forget it.
“For the election coming all hands must be on desk and face the opposition with a united voice. We must plan so that there is no space for the opposition. We must close ranks to make sure that we remain as a united PDP ahead of the elections.”
She further stated that the group has played vital role in ensuring political stability in Cross River North and the state by dispelling and silencing mischief makers, especially the unfounded accusations and rumours that she intends contesting for governorship in her state, which was not true.
“When some rumors was making the rounds, to the point that the governor sent a message to ask what was happening that he heard that I was going to run election for governor.
“Also a very senior member of this group, Yala PDP Elders came to me in Abuja to ask about the veracity of the rumour, I told him that I was as shocked as all the others. I told him I was investigating the source of the rumour and I reassured them that I was running for senate.
“In fact, before I travelled four weeks ago, I had kept money to buy the forms. And I assured Chief Tony that someone wants to cause mischief. I told him that they want to distract the governor and also distract me. They are to make sure we quarrel and cause trouble for us in the north.
She further cleared that, “During the caucus meeting in Calabar yesterday, I spoke about it in the public, to put the issue to rest. When other of my colleagues in the National Assembly rose up to speak, they said they were relieved that I spoke about it in the public.
“As at today, there is no issue between the governor and myself.”
Meanwhile, the group pledged their unalloyed loyalty and support, and also assured her of galvanising the people in the Senatorial District to massively vote for her re-election based on her laudable projects and quality representation that have positively impacted the people.
Earlier in his remark, the leader of the Yala PDP elders forum, Barrister Eddy Iji, “She has represented us so well both in the house of reps and in the Senate. She has been very effected and we are proud of her.
“We are here to appreciate her and assure her of our continuous support as she seeks reelection. And our conversation with her was fruitful.”
